National Coming Out Day: Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community

“Trans people are extraordinary, strong, intelligent, persistent and resilient. We have to be. And we will not stand for the picking and choosing of rights. We still have hope.” — Grace Dolan -Sandrino

National Coming Out Day is the day when coming out is celebrated and normalised. The LGBTQ community awareness and support are the central focus of this day. It started in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O’ Leary gay rights activists. It’s done every year on October 11th.

History

On October 11, 1988, National Coming Out Day was celebrated for the very first time. This day marks one year since the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights which was held as a result of government indifference to AIDS pandemic and in disagreement over supreme court’s decision upholding anti-sodomy laws in Georgia. During that march, it was decided to display for the first time ever an AIDS Memorial Quilt so as to commemorate those that had died from this virus.

Some form of memorialisation of this event occurred to Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary who realised how much this march marked a milestone in terms of advocacy work by including marking a special day—National Coming out Day. All states were celebrating National Coming Out Day by 1990 and now it is observed globally.

Why Do We Need National Coming Out Day?

There is some controversy surrounding the idea of having a national “coming out” day because some people feel that it normalises heterosexuality, along with gender binaries; thus perpetuating stereotypes such as individuals who do not identify within the LGBTQ+ community must come forward about their sexual orientation before being recognised by society or others believe that it can be quite difficult for those who cannot come out due to personal safety reasons or other factors. However, both points above hold true but many members of LGBTQ+ society assert that there is something personal at stake while referring to National Coming Out Day.

Given recent developments wherein legislation has become more inclusive towards members of the LGBTIQ+ community, there have been questions raised concerning its continued necessity as a celebration. The LGBTQ+ community needs to be humanised, as activist Rob Eichberg argued. Homophobia and hate thrive in silence. It’s much easier to hate or discriminate against a group of faceless “others.” The purpose of National Coming Out Day is to raise awareness about the vast and varied population that comprises the LGBTQ+ community. Almost everyone probably knows someone who is gay or lesbian. It’s much simpler to foster understanding and acceptance between individuals who already have existing relationships.

The laws have focused on protecting not only adults, but also young, vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community; therefore anyone able should speak out as legislation evolves around them. We will continue to be lighthouses guiding those most at risk within our communities by being visible entities for the marginalised groups among us.