Students wore rainbow and white ribbons at school today to celebrate National Coming Out Day. Rainbow ribbons indicated the individual identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, while white signified the student was a straight and cisgender ally to the community.

The ribbons were passed out by Whitman Pride, the school’s student-run LGBTQ+ organization.

“We’re hoping that by passing out these ribbons and by having this big show of solidarity within and for the LGBT community we can make Whitman a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone,” Pride co-president Aubrey Lay said.

Lay proudly sported a rainbow ribbon on his wrist.

“It’s my way of saying that I feel like the school is a safe place to express myself, and by expressing myself I’m trying to ensure that it continues to be so,” he said.