The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its allies (LGBTA) will come out to march and dress to impress this Homecoming weekend to spread awareness about National Coming Out Day (NCOD).

Though National Coming Out Day was Oct. 11, Penn State's LGBTA community will celebrate the day with various events this weekend, including a rally at noon today on the steps of Old Main and an annual dance.

Allies will march for the first time in the Penn State Homecoming parade tonight. Allies will also present, along with Late Night Penn State, the first student Drag Show at 10 p.m. Saturday in HUB Alumni Hall.

Allison Subasic, LGBTA Student Resource Center director, said this is not the first time lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students have marched in the parade, but it is the first time Allies has marched as an entire organization.

"I'm glad that the students are marching in the parade and showing their pride for being Penn State students and being part of Homecoming rituals," Subasic said.

Benjamin Holsinger, Allies vice president, said the Homecoming Committee approached the organization last year and asked if they would be interested in marching in the parade.

"They reached out to us and we are glad that they did," Holsinger said.

Holsinger added that Allies' participation in the Homecoming parade would put a face on the LGBTA community.

"A lot of people don't even know someone who is gay or lesbian," Holsinger said. "The fact of knowing that there is a presence -- that can start to create a dialogue and raise awareness."

Homecoming Overall Chair Andrea McDonald said she was happy that Allies will march in the Homecoming parade this year because it promotes more acceptance and less discrimination on campus.

"It kind of shows that we are progressing," McDonald said. "It shows the length that Allies is going to help Penn State as a whole become more accepting of the LGBTA community."

Allison Davis, parade overall chair, said Allies' presence in the parade is another way to unify the campus.

"We try to include everyone we can," Davis said. "It's another way for Allies to interact with even more students."

Holsinger said the success of last year's Pride Week drag show spurred interest in having an annual show that is entirely student-run.

"We have a lot of really talented people that are going to put on a good show for us," he said.

Subasic said these events allow the LGBTA community to raise awareness, celebrate its sexuality and acknowledge those who are comfortable talking about their sexuality.

"It's our time to not only celebrate our accomplishments but to also stand up for those who cannot speak out because of the fear of retaliation or discrimination," she said.