Those who attended the event said that they were moved by the stories that the students shared.

“We went into Ticknor not really having a strong sense of what people were going to say,” said Philip de Sa e Silva ’13, the communications chair of the QSA. “But we were glad that people felt comfortable sharing both positive and negative experiences.”

National Coming Out Day was also marked on campus by rainbow-themed desserts in the dining halls, celebrations by BGLTQ tutors, and themed study breaks. Lowell House co-masters Dorothy Austin and Diana Eck, the first gay couple appointed co-masters of a house, hosted a “Queer Tea” in their residence. Quincy House displayed a canvas where allies could write messages of support for the queer community.

Joseph J. Vitti ’10, a freshman proctor specializing in BGLTQ life, proudly displayed a banner at the BGLTQ office which was signed by freshmen to pledge their support for their peers. Things like that, students said, made the most difference.“

A year ago, I would have wanted students to walk away with the message that they’re not alone,” Gaffney said. “But now, I’d want people to realize that they have to let people surprise them. Especially at a place like this, people will surprise you in a positive way.”

—Staff writer Michelle Denise L. Ferreol can be reached at mferreol@college.harvard.edu.