TODAY IS THE DAY

In theory, a lot of figurative closets will get cleared today: It’s National Coming Out Day. In observance, LGBT groups across the country have planned marches and performances, fairs and film screenings — anything to encourage a culture of openness and acceptance. In Kansas City, the Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ (205 West 65th Street, 816-523-4813) got into the spirit early, with Saturday-night shows by “dragapella beautyshop quartet” the Kinsey Sicks. Today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the UMKC Playhouse (51st Street and Holmes) is the site of a National Coming Out Day celebration hosted by gay former NFL star Esera Tuaolo. The free event also includes a briefing on gay history in KC, led by Ross Freese and Lea Hopkins, who was once a Playboy bunny. For more information, call 816-236-1639.

Sun., Oct. 11, 2009