Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

On April 30, 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom, “Ellen.” In an episode titled “The Puppy Episode” when she tells her therapist, played by Oprah Winfrey, that she is attracted to women, making “Ellen” the first sitcom to feature a gay main character.

In honor of this landmark, Western’s SafeZone program puts on a biannual performance titled “The Coming Out Monologues.” The Monologues are performed on or around SafeZone’s birthday, April 30.

“On April 30, 2000 was the Millennium March on Washington for LGBTQ Equality. That’s why we picked that date for the SafeZone birthday,” said coordinator CM Hall. Hall, with the help of Ted deChatelet, manages the show every two years.

The SafeZone program started at Western in 2006, and according to their website, “seeks to form an allying network of students, faculty and staff committed and trained to provide safe, non-judgmental and supportive contacts for all WOU community members regarding LGBTQ+ issues.” This program provides the campus with community events and Ally trainings. SafeZone partners with Abby’s House, Stonewall Center and Triangle Alliance to produce the Monologues.

“I was a queer student during a very different time at Western. The early/mid-90’s — when the faculty, admin, staff, and students were silent or hostile and there just weren’t many of us, or any out faculty or staff to gain support from,” commented Hall. Since Hall returned to Western as a staff member in 2006, she has been working to change Western’s community for the better.

“Western feels entirely different. It’s become such an affirming and supportive place for folks who have different sexual and gender identities … It further validates and normalizes our lived experiences,” Hall said.

The Coming Out Monologues are stories authored and performed by Western students, staff and faculty. The stories are funny, serious and often heartbreaking.

“They are a representation of the diverse and unique experiences of people who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and/or as straight allies,” described Hall.

This year’s performance included six student performers: Aeron Esch, Hannah Bachelor, Hannah Hardcastle, Maria Bercerra, Max Groshong and Tyler Martin. Staff members performed as well: Annika Joy Barnett, Chrys Burcham, Rebecca Chiles and Chad A. Ludwig.

The first show took place in 2015, then was performed again in 2017. The turnout is always substantial, and it’s commonplace to need extra chairs on standby.

“The most fulfilling part for me is audience response and reaction. How folks really connect and resonate with someone’s story — even if that audience member isn’t LGBTQ,” said Hall, “there’s an electricity and bond in the room as we watch folks share their stories. Their truths. We all feel let in on someone’s journey and it’s a really special and sacred experience.”

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo by Ashlynn Norton