National Coming Out Day is October 11, 2005
National Coming Out Day is a day for every single person who supports GLBT equality to speak openly about it. Maybe you’re coming out for the first time ever, or maybe you’re just talking with a neighbor, coworker, friend or acquaintance about GLBT issues for the first time. Regardless, coming out and being out is the most important thing you can do.
This year’s theme for National Coming Out Day is “Talk About It.” Human Rights Campaign is working to tell the stories of GLBT people to the nation every day, and we hope that you will do that too — either one on one with someone in your life, or by planning a National Coming Out Day event.
Being brave doesn’t mean that you’re not scared. It means that you’re scared, and that you do the thing that you’re afraid of anyway.
Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or as a straight supportive person is an act of bravery, authenticity and openness. Whether it’s for the first time ever, or for the first time today — coming out is the most important thing you will do all day.
Talk about it.
Even after coming out to yourself and the important people in your life, you will find that coming out is a lifelong journey that requires that you make frequent decisions about whether to come out to someone new. For example, GLBT people must make coming-out decisions in the workplace, the military, with a health care provider and in a place of worship. Coming out truly is a never-ending journey.