Official NCOD logo (by Keith Haring) Every day, many gay people struggle with a question: to come out or not to come out? October 11 marks National Coming Out Day, an occasion when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals (LGBT) are encouraged to speak about their sexual or gender orientation with loved ones. Created in 1988, NCOD commemorates the one-year anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, when hundreds of thousands of activists converged on the nation's capital to demand civil rights legislation. This year's theme, "Talk About It," focuses on the importance of not just coming out, but discussing LGBT issues each day. HRC President Joe Solmonese says, "Every single time we talk about our lives as GLBT Americans, we are another step closer to equality." Many gay people find that teachers, gay-straight alliances, college campuses, and advocacy organizations like PFLAG and GLAAD can offer support to those who want to live openly. Please note: Due to an excess of inflammatory and hateful comments, user comments have been suspended for this article. We apologize for any inconvenience. -- The Spark Editors Suggested Sites... OutProud Resources - resources for those trying to understand their sexuality or considering coming out to family members. Coming Out Stories - read about how others have stepped out of the closet. Becoming a Straight Ally - for people who aren't lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered, but support the equal rights and fair treatment of LGBT people.

Directory categories: Coming Out, LGBT Civil Rights Organizations, National Coming Out Day

Archived under: Holidays, LGBT, Society and Culture

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