Come Out To Vote (And Party!) On National Coming Out Day

Come Out To Vote (And Party!) on National Coming Out Day

How are you spending National Coming Out Day this October 11th? Spend it with us while we Come Out To Vote at the Franklin County Board of Elections!

By Kaylee Duff

Voting is important — maybe even more important now than ever before. The LGBTQ+ community are fighting for their rights every single day, and voting supporters into office is one of the most crucial actions we can take.

That’s why the Come Out to Vote Coalition is focused on getting the LGBTQ+ community and equality-minded voters to “Come Out” and Vote on National Coming Out Day! They’re encouraging early vote efforts by asking the LGBTQ+ and allied communities across the state to vote early. The Coalition is hosting two events to boost the early voting drive: a press conference on October 4, and a massive party on October 11! (And we definitely know how much Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community loves to party!)

Coalition partners include, but are not limited to: BRAVO, Equality Ohio, Equitas Health, The Human Rights Campaign, True Media Group (publishers of True Q Magazine), PRIZM Magazine, Family Pride Network, Stonewall Columbus, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, EduTechnologic and many more!

The festivities will begin on Thursday, October 4, with a press conference at the Ladies’ Gallery in the Ohio Statehouse. The press conference will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. — directly following the 10th annual Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame induction and ceremony. This year’s inductees include LGBTQ+ rights activist and Sandusky native Jim Obergefell, among several other Ohioans who have made paved the way towards a more equal, equitable and inclusive society.

The press conference will feature an opening statement by Nickie Antonio and remarks by Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign; Alana Jochum, Executive Director of Equality Ohio; and other community leaders and members.

The party continues on Thursday, October 11, at the Franklin County Board of Elections with the Come Out To Vote celebration! The Coalition will be hosting a large party and early voting drive on National Coming Out Day in the parking lot from 3 to 6 p.m. The Board of Elections is open for early voting Monday through Friday during normal business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), so you have plenty of time to vote early before dancing the night away!

The party in the parking lot will be a celebration, featuring live performers and musicians, drag queens, a DJ, guest speakers and more! Entertainers include: Anne E. DeChant, Trey Pearson, Jo’el Monroe, Jennifer Lynn Ali, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Evolution Theatre Company, DJ Brad Henry and more, as well as many great guest speakers!

You can only vote early during the Come Out To Vote event if you live and are registered to vote in Franklin County. Maybe you’re planning on voting absentee or in-person on Election Day. Don’t worry, the Come Out To Vote party is open and welcoming to all!

The Coalition encourages voting — even if it isn’t at our event. But, of course, we want you to come out and celebrate Ohio’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community on National Coming Out Day!

So why are you coming out to vote? We’re coming out to vote because our votes count — and our futures depend on it.

For more information about the Come Out To Vote Coalition and events, check out the official Facebook at facebook.com/OutOutToVote.