October 11
- International Day of the Girl Child
- National Sausage Pizza Day
- National Coming Out Day
- General Pulaski Memorial Day
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NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
National Coming Out Day is an observed civil awareness day recognized annually on October 11.
The day celebrates individuals who publicly identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender – coming out regarding their sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people.
One in two Americans knows someone who is gay or lesbian. The ratio applied to transgendered Americans is one in ten.
The day is dedicated to raises awareness of the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. Through education and support, and sharing their stories, it is hoped they may be more able to live openly and safely.
As more of the LGBTQ community come out, those who know them are more likely to become more educated. They also become more supportive and understanding, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalComingOutDay
Attend a rally. Ask questions or learn more by visiting hrc.org. Use #NationalComingOutDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY HISTORY
In 1988, Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary National created Coming Out Day on the anniversary of National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights to show support for the LGBTQ community. Eichberg was a New Mexico psychologist and founder of the personal growth workshop, The Experience. O’ Leary was an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles and at the time, the head of the National Gay Rights Advocates. Together, they created the day as a reminder that coming out is one of their most powerful basic tools.
