National Coming Out Day Is a Day of Celebration
37 years ago, half a million people participated in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Since then, positive representation and improved social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ folks have continued to grow. Visibility has undoubtedly been integral in encouraging these changes.
While we still have barriers and obstacles to overcome until all LGBTQ+ folks are fully free from discrimination, it’s important to find moments to celebrate how far we’ve come, the community we’ve built, and the support we can offer for those who may not feel safe enough to come out. When you can embrace who you are and live in a way that is authentic, you are setting an important example for others in the community. Maybe you celebrate by coming out to someone new or in a new environment. You can also showcase your identity loud and proud through pins, buttons, accessories, or wearing specific colors. Coming Out Day is a day for us to proudly make ourselves visible, even if others would prefer we stay hidden.
Coming Out Day should NEVER feel like pressure for you to come out or an opportunity to shame someone who is still in the closet. The only person you have to listen to about coming out is yourself. You have to keep an eye on your personal safety at all times. Unfortunately, there are still many people who don’t live or work in environments where it’s safe to be visible. If you find that you are in a situation where you don’t feel safe or comfortable to come out, I want you to remember this:
You have the right to choose for yourself when, how, and whether to come out. Your identity is still valid. You are still valid.
If you aren’t in the LGBTQ+ community, this is also a wonderful time to show up and support the community and their right to live authentically and loudly. Come out as an ally, so to speak. The more we can encourage and build safe spaces that allow folks to be themselves, the more we can move forward. Acceptance is community work, and having folks be visible in their identities or their allyship is important to helping folks who are still in the closet.
National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11th. It is a day to celebrate in a way that feels right and authentic for you. There is no pressure to show up in a certain way or declare anything you aren’t ready to. If you want to come out but are scared or uncertain about how to do so, there are many wonderful resources, including the LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline. You can speak with trained LGBTQ+ volunteers. Their services are free, and they provide support, information, and local resources throughout the United States.