12 Years of Boilers OUT Loud
Presenters from the 2024 Boilers OUT Loud! event.
During the first weekend of November, Boilers OUT Loud!, an annual performance showcasing personal stories from members of Purdue's Theatre and LGBTQ communities, celebrated its 12th year of breaking down heteronormative social norms by promoting visibility, understanding, and acceptance. This annual presentation of monologues was founded by Professor Emeritus Rusty Jones of the Department of Theatre and Dance and LGBTQ Center Director, Lowell Kane, and is now proudly directed by Anthony Sirk, the Department of Theatre Dance's Costume Shop Manager, and co-directed by Kelsey Chapman, Assistant Director of the LGBTQ Center.
What was originally a small campus initiative has grown into a crucial platform for queer individuals to share their experiences openly, authentically, and without fear. The stories presented through Boilers OUT Loud! are not just about coming out or facing adversity; they encompass the rich diversity of emotions, experiences, and identities that shape the LGBTQ community all while dispelling stereotypes, creating safe environments, and encouraging discussion of challenging subjects.
The monologues shared in Boilers OUT Loud! are just as diverse as the identities of those who share them. Some are funny, others are poignant, some may be heart-wrenching or tear-jerking, but they all have one thing in common; all are real. Using the art of storytelling, each student-performer shares their own personal narrative to celebrate their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. These monologues help create a safe, supportive environment where individuals can be heard, seen, and appreciated for who they truly are, relieving any stigma and the feeling of being forced to hide.
As Chapman shared, “Boilers OUT Loud is a moving and memorable performance that we are lucky to host every Fall. I'm grateful to the LGBTQ+ community at Purdue for their vulnerability and bravery in sharing their stories. We are at our most human when we can see and reflect the light in each other, and Boilers OUT Loud allows us to do just that.” Boilers OUT Loud! serves as both a platform for demystifying what it means to be LGBTQ-identifying and an important outlet to break down misconceptions and build bridges of empathy. The diversity of experiences shared on stage encourages a more inclusive atmosphere and promotes acceptance, not just within the LGBTQ community but across the broader Purdue and Lafayette communities.
In exciting news, Boilers OUT Loud! has taken its message of visibility and inclusion beyond the Purdue campus. For the first time ever, this year’s show was performed at the Phoenix Cultural Center in Indianapolis as well as at the Lafayette Civic Theatre, extending its reach to new audiences. This expansion is just the beginning: looking ahead, Anthony Sirk shared a sneak peek into some plans to bring the production to other Purdue locations, including Purdue Fort Wayne and Purdue Indianapolis. Continuing the goal to stretch the show's impact while ensuring it remains accessible to Purdue students across campuses. There are also plans to return to the Mallett Theatre next year, where the performance originated, in order to bring Boilers OUT Loud! back to its roots and create a larger stage for students to share their stories.
Purdue’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to celebrate Boilers OUT Loud! and be a part of the ongoing conversation that makes Purdue a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
