by Jonathan Mathias

Spotlights sweep the sky outside the Illinois Institute of Technology, marking the entrance to Herman Hall Ballroom. A few dozen youth mill around inside the building, waiting to enter a multicolored, foggy dance floor.

The Fifth Annual Coming Out Ball was held Friday, October 10th to great success. A bawdy Tajma Hall stood next to DJ Laura B, welcoming the new faces as they entered. Before too many people arrived, caterers arranged tray after tray of sweets upon tables at the ends of the hall, including Skittles separated by individual color, mini cream puffs, cookies, cakes, and aperitifs.

The real party didn’t start until after eight, when more people arrived to fill the ballroom with dancing bodies. Go-Go dancing angels graced us with their presence throughout the night. The evening had several performances: IIT’s a capella group Tectonichs, Ball Dancers, poet Krisdelarash, as well as a final number by the wonderful Tajma Hall in full costume, red feathers and lipstick, dragging for dollars. Most spent the evening dancing and jumping, glowsticks akimbo. Everybody was welcome to dance on the stage, and at it’s peak, the ballroom held over 300 glamorous, smiling faces.

After the last song (Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out,” duh) the attendees were welcome to head downstairs to IIT’s recreation center.

Over $2,000 were raised for the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance. Next year, the ball is slated to be held at Columbia College Chicago, and it is sure to be another fabulously good time. For those who can’t wait until next year, though, Columbia is hosting the First Annual Spooky Coming Out Ball, a Halloween-themed party for all GLBTQA people.