National Coming Out Day
Every October 11th, thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and their allies celebrate National Coming Out Day. They hold events aimed at making the public aware of their presence in all walks of life.
National Coming Out Day began in 1987 when 500,000 people marched on Washington for gay and lesbian equality. It marked the first display of the NAMES Project quilt, remembering those who had died from AIDS.
From that march came the idea of a national day to celebrate “coming out.” The anniversary of the Washington march was chosen as the date. The first National Coming Out Day included events in eighteen states. Today it has grown into a year-round program that promotes honesty and openness about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered–whether on campus, in the workplace or in the home.