October 11th, 2016 celebrates the 28th Anniversary of National Coming Out Day.
When LGBTQ people and our allies come out, they change lives and make the world a better place. When Open and Affirming (ONA) churches come out, they transform their communities. Celebrate National Coming Out Day, and renew your commitment to build a church where all are truly welcome.
28 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.
Coming out - whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied - STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.
Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality.
Take a moment to view the 2016 HRC Celebration video of National Coming Out Day 2016
