Happy National Coming Out Day – to those who come out publicly or just to themselves. First observed on October 11, 1988, the anniversary of the “National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights,” today’s observance serves as a reminder that one of our most powerful forces for change is visibility as individuals in a Community – as well as supporting those just publicly stepping into their full human identities. Back in 2019, I shared my own coming-out story (which was really more of a ‘journey’ than an ‘event’) on The Randy Report here. Homophobia thrives in an environment of ignorance and silence. However, studies show that when people know that they have loved ones who are gay or lesbian, they are far less likely to hold homophobic views. And speaking of coming out – this scene from the acclaimed coming-of-age Netflix series Heartstopper featuring Kit Connor and Olivia Colman:
happy national coming out day 🙂 <3 pic.twitter.com/akYIWh2n93
— daily heartstopper (@luvheartstopper) October 11, 2022
Every step forward we’ve seen in the past several years is directly related to the increased visibility our community has when we proudly step up and out as who we are. Coming out inspires friends, family, and allies of the LGBTQ community to stand up for what is right, even in the face of discrimination, bigotry, and violence. And on the most personal level, coming out improves our mental health, self-esteem, success, and happiness.
#NationalComingOutDay pic.twitter.com/mU5F0zROU6
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) October 11, 2024
Even if the first step you can take today is to come out to yourself, please know millions support your courage to live life authentically. It took me a lifetime, but I honestly feel every word of this poem by Leo Herrera, “Unmistakable Softness:” https://www.instagram.com/p/CjlJRuSurKO/ Here’s to the folks who begin their own journey today. Be brave. Be proud. Be you.
To the LGBTQI+ community on National Coming Out Day: You are valued for exactly who you are, no matter where you are in your journey.
We are all in this together. We will continue to fight for your freedom to love who you love and be your authentic self, openly and with pride. pic.twitter.com/yEanVCgjYl — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 11, 2024
Happy National Coming Out Day!
You are loved, celebrated, and supported regardless of where you are on your journey. Democrats will continue to fight for an America where everyone can live openly and with pride. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z2nF2vNfho — The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) October 11, 2024
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