National Coming Out Day 2023: National Coming Out Day will persist on October 11 to advocate for the cause of LGBTQ+ individuals and dispel the notion that discrimination flourishes in silence. A significant moment occurs on this day when many LGBTQ+ individuals “come out” (a term derived from the expression “come out of the closet”) to family and acquaintances regarding their sexual orientation. In addition to this, the historical trajectory of the LGBTQ+ movement serves as a source of inspiration, commemorating its trailblazers and emphasizing the intersection of the personal and the political. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of liberation; many do so by donning badges or waving flags associated with LGBTQ+ organizations.
National Coming Out Day will occur in 2023.
Annually, National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11. It was first observed in 1988, and by 1990, all fifty states had joined the celebration.
National Coming Out Day History
The notion of National Coming Out Day originated from a solitary march. On October 11, 1987, 500,000 individuals participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which generated momentum that persisted for four months following the march’s conclusion. On the first anniversary of their historic march, more than a hundred LGBTQ+ individuals congregated outside of Washington, DC, and decided to establish a national day to honor coming out.
Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary were the originators of the NCOD concept. At the time that Eichberg established The Experience, a workshop for personal development, O’Leary was the executive director of National Gay Rights Advocates. Eichberg, who passed away in 1995 from AIDS-related complications, once stated that the most effective weapon in the human rights movement was to demonstrate that the majority of individuals already know and respect a member of the LGBTQ+ community; NCOD assists in bringing these individuals to light.
The Human Rights Campaign has selected a theme for each National Coming Out Day over the past fifteen years. “Come Out To Congress” was the theme in 1999, and “Coming Out Still Matters” was the theme for 2014. Additionally, distinct representatives have represented each NCOD. In the 1990s, “Frasier” actor Dan Butler and Candance Gingrich, the half-sister of Newt Gingrich, were two notable figures.
The NCOD attracts more and more participants annually. Numerous public figures and celebrities have openly identified as LGBTQ+ since the organization’s inception, and each year they share messages of encouragement and support for those who remain in the closet. In 2019, notable celebrities such as actress and advocate Sara Ramirez and Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon both tweeted in support of NCOD. In an effort to further eradicate hatred and homophobia, the event intends to invite family and friends to dispel stereotypes.
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National Coming Out Day 2023 FAQs
Is National Coming Out Day observed in any other locations?
Additionally, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands observe National Coming Out Day.
Which LGBTQ+ organizations am I able to provide support for?
The Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, The National Center for Transgender Equality, and The It Gets Better Project, among many others, are among the most prominent LGBTQ+ support organizations.
Where can individuals contemplating coming out locate relevant resources?
A comprehensive resource guide to coming out has been compiled by the Human Rights Campaign. This guide addresses potential conversational trajectories, the emotions of those involved, and the advantages that may be obtained through the act of coming out.
National Coming Out Day 2023 Activities
Make a Donation to the Human Rights Initiative
This group not only provides financial support to NCOD but also actively engages in various initiatives to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. It is a cause worthy of support!
Encourage someone to come out
It goes without saying that coming out can be a challenging experience. Accept those who choose to share this aspect of their lives with you in order to demonstrate your support. If you are currently undecided about whether or not to disclose a significant aspect of your identity, contemplate capitalizing on the additional support by doing so today, provided that the moment is opportune.
Don a Pride symbol in order to bring attention
Some individuals who feel discriminated against or isolated may find the symbolic representations of the various groups encompassing the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ to be an extremely welcome sight. Demonstrate solidarity with the movements through the display of emblematic pins or flags, or by sharing your endorsement on a social media platform of your choosing.
Five Facts Regarding National Coming Out Day 2023
National Coming Out Day is not limited to lesbians and gays.
As the LGBTQ+ community has expanded to include bisexual, transgender, and numerous other sexual orientations, an increasing number of individuals are eligible to engage in NCOD.
The level of national support has increased.
On the inaugural National Coming Out Day, only 18 states took part; media coverage and the event’s global reach caused this number to soar.
It was once considerably more hazardous.
In Western culture and in the current decade, coming out as homosexual or lesbian is statistically safer; many members of the community wear accessories that express their pride in this status quo.
Knowledge eradicates hatred.
Individuals who have familial ties to the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to hold oppressive and discriminatory views, according to one study.
Its former place of business was West Hollywood.
National Gay Rights Advocates’ headquarters were formerly located in West Hollywood, California; however, they have since relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 11 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | October 11 | Friday |
| 2025 | October 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | October 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 11 | Monday |
