National Coming Out Day

Every year on October 11, we observe National Coming Out Day, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and supporting those who are “coming out of the closet.” The first National Coming Out Day was celebrated on October 11, 1988, and was created by lesbian Jean O’Leary and gay man Robert Eichberg amidst the hatred and fear of the AIDS crisis. Letters were sent out urging members of the LGBTQ+ community to take a brave step and come out, as well as submit their names in commemorative journals to publicly proclaim that they were homosexual. This was seen as an act of liberation in a time when being openly queer could take away your job, your housing, and your safety. The first National Coming Out Day also served as a bold statement, calling out the disinterest that the government had towards helping the AIDS crisis, as well as the stigma around AIDS. Coming out of the closet is such a pivotal moment in so many people’s lives, and this day is so important for those who are struggling to feel seen. National Coming Out Day is not meant to shame those who haven’t come out or make queer people feel like it’s a necessity to do so (because it isn’t by any means). Rather it is a celebration of the beauty of being true to your identity, whether you are out or you do so privately. Coming out is never something you have to do for your identity to be valid, and unfortunately, it’s not always safe, but seeing other people come out can provide a sense of community and solidarity. If you or someone you know is part of the LGBTQ+ community and is struggling, you can visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org for helplines and counseling services. You are never alone.