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Chrys Weedon<\/strong> | Entertainment Editor<\/span><\/p>\n On April 30, 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom, \u201cEllen.\u201d In an episode titled \u201cThe Puppy Episode\u201d when she tells her therapist, played by Oprah Winfrey, that she is attracted to women, making \u201cEllen\u201d the first sitcom to feature a gay main character.<\/span><\/p>\n In honor of this landmark, Western\u2019s SafeZone program puts on a biannual performance titled \u201cThe Coming Out Monologues.\u201d The Monologues are performed on or around SafeZone\u2019s birthday, April 30. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>On April 30, 2000 was the Millennium March on Washington for LGBTQ Equality. That’s why we picked that date for the SafeZone birthday,\u201d said coordinator CM Hall. Hall, with the help of Ted deChatelet, manages the show every two years.<\/span><\/p>\n The SafeZone program started at Western in 2006, and according to their website, \u201cseeks 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.\u201d This program provides the campus with community events and Ally trainings. SafeZone partners with Abby\u2019s House, Stonewall Center and Triangle Alliance to produce the Monologues.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI was a queer student during a very different time at Western. The early\/mid-90’s \u2014 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,\u201d commented Hall. Since Hall returned to Western as a staff member in 2006, she has been working to change Western\u2019s community for the better. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWestern feels entirely different. It’s become such an affirming and supportive place for folks who have different sexual and gender identities \u2026 It further validates and normalizes our lived experiences,\u201d Hall said.<\/span><\/p>\n The Coming Out Monologues are stories authored and performed by Western students, staff and faculty. The stories are funny, serious and often heartbreaking.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey are a representation of the diverse and unique experiences of people who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and\/or as straight allies,\u201d described Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n This year\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The first show took place in 2015, then was performed again in 2017. The turnout is always substantial, and it\u2019s commonplace to need extra chairs on standby. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe most fulfilling part for me is audience response and reaction. How folks really connect and resonate with someone’s story \u2014\u00a0even if that audience member isn’t LGBTQ,\u201d said Hall, \u201cthere’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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n