Cal State Long Beach, along with 200 other universities nationwide, will participate in National Coming Out Week. Holding daily events, the Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Students United are prepared to join in the festivities through Friday.

The importance of Coming Out Week, or C.O.W., is to exemplify living out as a gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Resource Center here.

The celebration serves several purposes, according Karla Saldana, president of GLBSU. It allows for openness and honesty in regards to identity, including sexual preference.

It is also a time for the gay community to provide support and encouragement to others experiencing the coming-out process. The day also promotes visibility and education concerning the community.

This week, the GLBSU will have a display case located in the University Student Union South Plaza.

Tuesday, the group will encourage students to wear blue jeans in support of the gay community.

Tuesday and Wednesday an information booth will be set up in front of the University Bookstore from 10-2 p.m.

Thursday a "kiss-in" will be held in front of the Nugget at 12:30. Lesbian, gay and bisexual couples will be sharing a kiss with their partner. Friday night the GLBSU will be throwing a party.

The GLBSU holds meetings and rap groups every week and makes visibility and education a priority.

The GLBSU provides support and encouragement to others who remain in the closet. It is a nurturing and friendly group of individuals who are concerned with the well being of others.

CSULB has a student population of approximately 27,000 and the estimated gay student population on this campus is 3,000 to 5,000, according to GLBSU.

Coming Out Week is held in commemoration of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. An estimated 600,000 gays, lesbians and bisexuals attended the event in March 1987.

A year later, in recognition of the gathering, Oct. 11 was declared National Coming Out Day.

For more information, one may stop by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Resource Center in F04-165 or call (562) 985-4585.