DEEP DIVE

October 11 is National Coming Out Day (#NationalComingOutDay) in the United States. It is celebrated around the world on October 11 and 12. It is an annual day to come out and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

On National Coming Out Day, LGBTQ+ celebrities and social media users post about their experiences while allies share their support. Many of those who choose to share their stories on this day have pointed out that coming out is something people should do on their own terms when they are ready. The day is meant to provide a platform for love and acceptance, but not a demand for anyone to come out if they do not want to.

2018 marks the 30th National Coming Out Day, which was started by activists Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary. October 11 is the anniversary of the Second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights.

By 7, I knew my truth.
At 14, I first spoke my truth.
At 21, I refined my truth.
Today, I’m just reveling in it.

Happy #NationalComingOutDay to all the truthseekers and truthsharers – past, present and future.

And happy #DayOfTheGirl for all of the trans girls thriving.💗 pic.twitter.com/ofevWnDHoU

— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) October 11, 2018

coming out is great, but do it on YOUR terms. #NationalComingOutDay is meant to encourage discussion & set a tone of acceptance, not put pressure on those not ready. <3

— tyler oakley (@tyleroakley) October 11, 2018

Hey! Are you a white #LGBTQIA+ person or LGBTQIA+ ally & wondering how you can center & uplift your #QTPoC siblings on this very #NationalComingOutDay? Check our hashtag #ComingOutQTPoC, tweet about WHY it's important, & hit that RT button. Representation Matters. #ComingOutDay pic.twitter.com/2B9VJY10o2

— Call Me They 🏳️‍🌈🇵🇭 AC Dumlao (@mxacdumlao) October 11, 2018

The best gift you can give yourself is the courage to be who you really are. #NationalComingOutDay https://t.co/zNwPHc9GzA

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 11, 2018

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This #nationalcomingoutday let’s not forget the people around the world that face certain violence for “coming out”, that stay in hiding for fear of punishment and often death. Let’s not forget those that face violence and harassment everyday for their visibility- especially trans women- who’s murder rate continues to rise in this country. Our community must stand up for each other, protect one another, and be a voice for the struggles that are long from over.

A post shared by bunnymichael (@bunnymichael) on Oct 11, 2018 at 8:46am PDT