|
National Coming Out DayBe proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ+ equality this National Coming Out Day! Sharing our authentic selves with others is not always safe or easy, and it is not a one-day event — but when possible, it can be an extraordinarily powerful key to breaking down the barriers we face as LGBTQ+ people. Our community continues to stay resilient despite living in a State of Emergency. We are still coming together, celebrating ourselves, and advocating for our rights. It is more important than ever that we join together to send a clear message against the over 580 bills: We are not going anywhere. |
National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1988 and coincides with the 35th anniversary of the first National March on Washington for lesbian and gay rights. The celebration aims to highlight the power of coming out and the importance of sharing personal stories to raise awareness and change perspectives. The City of Pasadena will be hosting its 8th annual National Coming OutDay Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 11 with an event organized by the Departments of Libraries and Information Services; Parks, Recreation and Community Services; and Public Health. This will take place at the Pasadena City Hall Bogaard Courtyard from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The panel will include Oliver Alpuche, founder of DTLA Proud and the owner of Redline, a local gay bar in Downtown LA; Camila Camaléon President of the SGV LGBTQ+ Center; and Pasadena Councilmember Jason Lyon. Phillip Leclair, the city’s Chief Information Officer, will be moderating. The event on Wednesday will feature a panel discussion, music, resource tables, crafts, free HIV testing, and giveaways. |
|
National Coming Out Day 2023 is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as they share their authentic selves with the world. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of coming out, challenge stereotypes and prejudices, and promote acceptance and inclusion. As National Coming Out Day approaches, let’s explore the significance of this day, when it takes place, how to get involved, its history, and ways to connect with others through hashtags. What is National Coming Out Day 2023?National Coming Out Day 2023 is a day of celebration and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. It encourages people to embrace their true selves and live openly, free from fear and discrimination. This day also provides a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories and experiences, helping to break down barriers and foster understanding among the broader community. When is National Coming Out Day 2023?National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11th. In 2023, this significant day falls on a Wednesday, offering an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to engage in activities and initiatives that promote acceptance and celebrate diversity. How to get involved with National Coming Out Day 2023?Participating in National Coming Out Day allows you to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity and acceptance. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:
History of National Coming Out DayNational Coming Out Day was founded on October 11, 1988, by Robert Eichberg, a psychologist, and Jean O’Leary, an LGBTQ+ rights activist. It commemorates the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place in 1987. The day was established to promote visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals and to encourage a more inclusive society. Since its inception, National Coming Out Day has become an internationally recognized event, fostering a culture of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Relevant HashtagsWhen sharing your support for National Coming Out Day 2023 and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, consider using these relevant hashtags to connect with others who are participating in this important celebration:
By using these hashtags, you can join a global conversation that promotes acceptance, celebrates diversity, and supports the LGBTQ+ community in their journey towards self-acceptance and equality. |
National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in 1988. Over 30 years later, it’s still in our calendars – but why do we need it?National Coming Out Day is an annual celebration that takes place on 11 October every year. It was first celebrated on the one-year anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights – a date chosen to honor the bravery of LGBTQ+ individuals who decide to come out and live openly. Although it started off as an American awareness day, the meaning of National Coming Out Day is still highly relevant to LGBTQ+ communities across the world today. Coming out is a unique experience for each LGBTQ+ person. It’s not a one-time event; many LGBTQ+ individuals who come out to their closest friends and family may later come out at work or school, to their extended family, or to casual acquaintances. For some, coming out is no longer a big deal – it can be a simple matter of correcting someone’s assumptions about you, or introducing your partner. For others, coming out is still a huge challenge. The very real fear of facing discrimination, bullying, or judgment can cause LGBTQ+ people to stay ‘in the closet’, struggling with anxiety while they strive to be themselves.
Talking about coming out and sharing our stories can help to strengthen our community and support one another with this experience. While coming out can be daunting and scary, it can also be the first time that LGBTQ+ individuals are able to be truly open with the people closest to them. Over the last few decades since National Coming Out Day was first recognized, we’ve seen huge progress for the LGBTQ+ community, with legislation on same-sex marriage, discrimination laws, and educational reforms all helping to protect and support LGBTQ+ people. However, these legal developments don’t mean that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is over. In the UK, we continue to see LGBTQ+ people suffer from attacks, hate, and abuse. Across the world, LGBTQ+ people are still campaigning for laws and attitudes alike to change. For many, coming out can be dangerous – or simply not an option. National Coming Out Day isn’t a day to force LGBTQ+ people to come out, or to shame people who haven’t done so. It’s a day to celebrate the beauty of being true to yourself, for having the courage to share an important part of your life with others, and for celebrating those who may come out to you. Rather than being perceived as exposing yourself or confessing something, we should see coming out as a marker of coming into your identity and allowing others to share in that knowledge. National Coming Out Day should also be a day to acknowledge the difficulties of coming out and to remember that it’s still not something all LGBTQ+ people can safely do. Today, some would argue that coming out (and having a day to celebrate it) is unnecessary. It’s true that no one should have to come out, and that not coming out doesn’t mean that you’re “hiding” or “lying”. In an ideal world, being straight and/or cis wouldn’t be perceived as default, and no one would make any assumptions about anyone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But for so many in our communities, that day is still a long way off. Coming out has always been an important part of LGBTQ+ history. For those who are questioning their identities or living in an unwelcoming environment, seeing someone come out – whether it’s a YouTuber, a family member, a teacher or your best friend – can offer a feeling of hope, solidarity, and reassurance.
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, celebrating National Coming Out Day is an important way to raise the visibility of our communities: reminding us all of the ongoing struggles LGBTQ+ people face just for being themselves, but also of the joy and pride of being openly LGBTQ+. |
