The dichotomy of hilarity and tragedy can only begin to describe one’s coming out journey. The University of Calgary is hosting its 3rd Annual Coming Out Monologues on March 15th and 16th so we can relive and re-evaluate this fundamental journey many of us have experienced.

Aleesha Bray, one of the Coordinator’s of the event took some time to talk about The Coming Out Monologues and its relevance in today’s world.

"In 2007 a group of students at the University of California Riverside created the first Coming Out Monologues, inspired by Eve Ensler’s popular Vagina Monologues. The University of Calgary is the first school in Canada to pick up this event."

The Coming Out Monologues is traditionally performed by members of the LGBTQA community in a theatre setting. The stories and performances are tales of coming out in all forms, and are either written by the performers themselves or by other anonymous individuals.

While keeping with tradition, this year the performers are doing a lot more to make the production spicy. Not only will they be recanting their most personal stories to hundreds in the audience, the audience will also have more chance to engage. There will be an art installation by artist and monologue performer Zac Slams, as well as musical performances, swag, live tweets, a chance for a unique "coming out of the closet" personalized photo, and a chance to state your comments of support on a uniquely crafted wishing tree.

Most pertinent to the event however, are the stories of personal survival, triumph, pain, and humour. Each night will bring the audience a volley of 13 different performances.

"This year there is a huge crossing of generations performing," states Bray. "There are 17 year olds as well as 70 year olds performing which will be a nice foray into all coming out stories."

"Each performance is funny, engaging, emotional, and challenging. The stories are so organic and come from a place that is so personal to each individual. This allows the audience to get an idea of how diverse the queer culture is and how each individual is affected."

Bray spoke about the journey that performers went through during rehearsals. "Each performer is creating a more personal story as we move along in the rehearsal process. Some individuals that originally joined the production to read someone else’s story have changed their minds and decided to write and perform their own. There are so many connections on a personal level, and people who didn’t feel comfortable verbalizing their own stories have begun to feel less isolated."

This has also been a profound personal journey for Bray as well. "I am so excited to be a part of the production this year. I was a performer last year and was asked if I wanted to take it over this year. It was extremely intimidating but I am also so happy to take it on. We are really focused on getting the word of the performance out there as it is so relevant to everyone, both gay and straight. It opens the dialogue to the myriad of gay issues that are facing the world."

Both nights’ performances are being emceed by the talented Constable Lynn MacDonald, and all proceeds from each performance go to the Calgary contingent of Camp fYrefly which will be debuting in 2013. Tickets are available online, at the University of Calgary box office, or at the door. Each show is predicted to sell out, so make sure you secure yourself a seat.