
On October 11, 1987, around 100,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community marched their first steps towards equal civil rights in Washington D.C. One year later, the community celebrated the first ever National Coming Out Day, organized by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg of the National Coming Out Day organization. Since then, significant progress has been made in regards to the equal rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite this progress, we still have a ways to go in earning equal rights and opportunities for every member of the LGBTQIA+ community. For this reason, National Coming Out Day serves as a foundational reminder of the initial march for equality, the daily struggles the community faces, and serves as a reminder that there is hope for a more inclusive future.
Over the years, perceptions have changed and thankfully have progressed to a more accepting viewpoint in many areas of the country. Unfortunately, the truth is, there are still many LGBTQIA+ people living in situations where they face bullying and judgment and they are “forced” to stay in the closet for safety. The stress from having to conform to acceptable societal standards can cause anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. No one should have to live in private and hide their true identity just to make others around them more comfortable. Everyone deserves the right to live as their true authentic self and find happiness.
“Coming out” is a common term for someone who publicly acknowledges their gender and/or sexual identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Coming out can look different to everyone. Some people never have an official coming out moment and have always embraced their LGBTQIA+ identity, some have an official “moment” where they come out to their loved ones, some may never feel safe coming out at all, and others don’t feel the need to ever come out and announce their identity. It looks different for everyone and means something different to everyone.
It is important to acknowledge that no matter where you are in your journey, you deserve to live your life as your true authentic self, free from hate, discrimination or judgment. Coming out is one of the most personal choices a LGBTQIA+ person can make. It is an opportunity to control others’ perceptions, educate, and create an environment that is safe and welcoming. National Coming out day is not the end all, be all for coming out. It is not a time to force people to acknowledge their identities or shame those who maybe can’t yet. It’s a day to celebrate the beauty of being your true self, embracing those who have come out to us, and creating a safe space for others to do so as well in the future.
Whether you identify as part of the community or as an ally, National Coming Out day is a great way to increase visibility of the communities, remind everyone of the ongoing struggles LGBTQIA+ people face just for existing, but also to celebrate the joy and pride of being openly your true self and celebrating the future possibilities.
If you would like to celebrate with allies and fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community, join us on October 11th at Corradi’s Scoops for an ice cream social. If you want to learn more about the history of National Coming Out Day and for more resources, visit the Human Rights Campaign.