Beyond the Closet: Why Coming Out Still Matters

On National Coming Out Day 2025, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) hosted the first session of GEAE's educational series titled Beyond the Closet: Why Coming Out Still Matters. Presenter Brandon Wiley, founder and CEO of Opened Eyes, discussed the importance of coming out from a counseling perspective to a group of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. After the presentation, a warm and open conversation continued where people freely shared their own experiences with coming out, whether stories of happiness or difficulty. This educational session was then followed up with GEAE's annual Afternoon for Equality the following day; a true celebratory weekend during LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day! Please visit GreaterErieAlliance.org to find out more about our upcoming events and education programs!

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