National Coming Out Day is a day observed annually by the United States on Oct. 11 to celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community coming out with their sexual identity to their friends, family and the world.
We see you. We hear you. We love you. Wishing the very best to everyone coming out today and everyone still looking for the right moment. #NationalComingOutDay pic.twitter.com/VYkkkDCBiB
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) October 11, 2018
When did National Coming Out Day Start?
National Coming Out Day was first recognized by the United States 30 years ago, in 1988.
On October 11, 1987, over half a million people were part of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights.
This march set the tone for the movement and many organizations arose from it such as LEAGUE, a group of employees at AT&T and the National Latino/a Gay and Lesbian Organization.
This inspired LGBTQ+ leaders from all over the country to meet together in Manassas, VA, a few miles outside of Washington D.C.
After discussing the negative treatment of people in the LGBTQ+ community, these activists decided there should be a day specifically recognizing the strength and bravery of those that have come out to the world.
From 1988 and forward, the anniversary of their march on Washington, has been recognized as National Coming Out Day.
Why is there a National Coming Out Day?
The organizers Rob Eichberg and Jean O’ Leary, as well as LGBTQ+ activists around the country, believed National Coming Out Day was necessary because the act of coming out was not being recognized enough.
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said, “As LGBTQ people across the nation and around the world continue to come out, opposition to equality will continue to crumble. Sharing our stories is a key way each of us can fight back against attempts to turn back the clock on LGBTQ equality.”
The courage to live openly is fundamentally tied to our community’s progress. On this #NationalComingOutDay, @HRC celebrates the inspiring stories and bravery of LGBTQ people who are living their truth — and changing the world. https://t.co/Yk3Vywg8oj
— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) October 11, 2018
How is it celebrated?
This day is not only for coming out but for LGBTQ+ couples to celebrate their love and progress throughout the years.
Happy #NationalComingOutDay pic.twitter.com/msFw7jRWbt
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 11, 2018
Other LGBTQ+ celebrities such as Sean Hayes are using their social media platform to encourage young closeted teens and allies to recognize and celebrate this day.
Today is National Coming Out Day. If you are struggling to come out, find at least one person to lean on who can be the support that you need. And when you do, you will be okay. I promise. You should never be afraid to be yourself. #NationalComingOutDay #WillandGrace pic.twitter.com/Qj41XNrAH5
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) October 11, 2018
The new film Boy Erased coming out this November also recognized National Coming Out Day.
The film highlights the experience of a boy coming out to his friends and family and part of this film is Troye Sivan, a well-known LGBTQ+ singer.
The world may want to change you, but no one can erase who you are. This #NationalComingOutDay, we celebrate the #LGBTQ community and living truthfully and openly. #BoyErased ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/aS5aJnXcNL
— Boy Erased (@BoyErased) October 11, 2018
Here is a video of famous singer Hayley Kiyoko giving advice on coming out.
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