Columbia will be hosting the 8th annual Coming Out Ball on Oct. 9.  The annual gala celebrates the National Coming Out Day for Chicago’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Each year, a Chicago school is chosen to host the event and this year Columbia’s LGBTQ organization, Common Ground, is filling the role.

The members of Common Ground organize events each year for both gay and straight students on and off campus. Their events are geared toward outreach, community building, fundraising and facilitating artistic exchange. Previous events have included several recruitment luncheons, an ’80s themed dance and an on-campus LGBTQ speed dating night.

In order to make this year’s ball unique, Common Ground wanted to incorporate the artistic and diverse Columbia student community so the group decided to recruit artists and entertainment from within.

The event will be hosted by Chicago drag queen Miss Foozie and will also feature performances by Columbia’s own Precious Jewel, Electra Dupri and burlesque performer Honey LaFleur. The opening  reception will also include  mocktails  and hors d’oeuvres,  served  by  members of Columbia’s theater program, along with music by Columbia student DJ Continental.

Each year, the affair has a fun and exciting theme to highlight the celebration. According to Sidney Stokes, president of Common Ground, who attributes this year’s theme to co-chair Erica Quinn.

“I got a text from Erica saying that she had heard ‘Beautiful, Dirty, Rich’ by Lady Gaga, and she came up with the theme ‘Beautiful Dirty Hollywood,’” Stokes said. “We knew we wanted old, Hollywood glamour, but we never had a specific theme. She asked if I liked the idea, and I loved it.”

The lounge will be decorated like an old, Hollywood nightclub, urging those inattendance to interpret Tinseltown. Prior to the opening ceremony, student Lauren Cousino will be modeling a red gown that will also function as the red carpet for the event. The gown was designed by

co-chair Russell Yost,  a fashion design major.

Throughout the reception, artwork from various Columbia students will be displayed and will feature a photo series by sophomore Annie Tarwater. Tarwater, 20,  conceptualized the idea of shooting an array of black and white photos and highlighting various accessories,  each a different shade of the rainbow, worn by the individuals.

The   event  also functions  as  a charity event and all of the proceeds will be donated to the Night Ministry which aids to the LGBTQ homeless youth in Chicago. “This is something that we all agreed was important to us,” said Social Events Chair Charlie Minoso. “A lot of the kids may be homeless due to their families turning away from them and we thought that especially now that economic times are tough, it would be great way to help them.”

Common Ground said it wants students to know that The Coming Out Ball is not just for members of the LGBTQ community and they encourage all students who are interested and supportive to attend and get involved.

The event will cost $7 for non-Columbia students and the group is asking for a $5 donation from Columbia students. It will be held in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Building from 7 p.m. until midnight.