National Coming Our Day
October 11
National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. It is observed by members of the LGBT communities and their supporters (often referred to as “allies”) on October 11 every year, or October 12 in the United Kingdom.
History
NCOD was founded by Robert Eichberg, a founder of The Experience workshop, and National Gay Rights Advocates head Jean O’Leary during a 1988 meeting of LGBT activists as a day to celebrate coming out. The date of October 11 was chosen to mark the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which had taken place four months earlier.
Observance
Events are held annually to celebrate coming out and to raise awareness of the LGBT community and LGBT rights movement. Participants are encouraged to wear gay pride symbols, such as the pink triangle (gay men), the black triangle (lesbians), the Greek letter lambda, and rainbows in jewelry and on clothing.
International observance
In the United States, the Human Rights Campaign manages the event under the National Coming Out Project, offering resources to LGBT individuals, couples, parents and children, as well as straight friends and relatives, to promote awareness of LGBT families living honest and open lives. Candace Gingrich became the spokesperson for the day in April 1995.
Despite its name, National Coming Out Day (so called because it originated as an event in the United States) is in fact observed in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Croatia, Poland and the United Kingdom (in the UK it is celebrated on October 12). As of 2008, the Netherlands also has Coming Out Day on October 11.
What does it mean to “come out“?
Coming out is the process of personally accepting your homosexuality and disclosing it to family, co-workers and friends. Coming out is different for every gay or bisexual person. Some experience a lot of pain and anguish while for others acceptance is a joyous time. It’s perfectly normal to experience fear, doubt, loneliness, anger and even depression. Try to surround yourself with others that may be going through the same transition or who have already come out. They can be a great support network. If you don’t have any gay friends or don’t know anyone else coming out, there are DISCUSSIONS FORUMS that have plenty of positive influences.
… a GREAT STORY of HOPE.
The day I came out…
“… to my mother turned out to be the most terrifying and anti-climatic day of my life. Even though her and I are extremely close, I’d played the dramatic scenario of eternal rejection over and over in my head. I just knew once I told her, it was going to be the last conversation her and I would ever have. But it was important for me to share that new and exciting part of my life. I decided the night before Thanksgiving would be the day. I was freshly 18 and figured she wouldn’t dare cause a scene on the eve of a large family gathering. In my head it was the biggest gamble I would ever take.
So, while baking a cake (go figure) I concocted this brilliant plan of bringing up very emotional family memories in an effort to soften the blow. I brought up things that made us both cry regularly, usually during an episode of Matlock and the weekly pedicure I gave her. I saw her eyes start to water. Now was my chance. I put the mixing bowl down, washed the mud mask off my face and led into the announcement.
“Mom, if I tell you something will you promise not to reject me?”
“Sure…” she muttered while clicking the remote.
“Are you sure you won’t throw me on the street and stop loving me?”
“Uh huh…” She managed to utter while fanning her freshly painted nails.
After a grueling 10 minutes of her obvious lack of interest and my continual tears, I stated my purpose:
“Mom… I’m gay!”
There was silence. My stomach dropped and my heart felt a thousand pounds. She waited until Matlock made his closing argument and looked at me emotionless and said, “Honey, I’ve known that for years! Now come give your mom a kiss and hand me that nail file over there.”
“Dignity & Respect for One and All, regardless of Sexuality is called for this Day.”
Little did I know that her best friend was a lesbian and blew my cover a long time ago.My drama filled announcement was little more than a confirmation of fact.”
Story, Thanks to: About.com (http://gaylife.about.com/)What’s your coming out story?
BE …Yourself ~~ BE …Fearless
Reflections on the work of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2010 as it works to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. IGLHRCs work spans the globe with staff in the Americas, Asia and Africa working to bring human rights to everyone, everywhere.
Celebrating Diversity in 2011SUNY Cortland will recognize the diversity and inclusiveness of its campus on Tuesday, Oct. 11, with a celebration of National Coming Out Day.
An all-day event outside of Corey Union will support the efforts of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community on campus. Spectrum, the College’s all-inclusive gay-straight alliance, will offer a presentation at 6 p.m. in the Voice Office, which houses multicultural clubs in a room off Corey Union’s main lobby. Refreshments will be provided.
Throughout the day, campus community members will be able to sign their names on a long roll of paper that pledges support for LGBTQ individuals. Organizers also will hand out free bumper stickers that include the message: “I don’t tolerate hate.”
Sponsored by the LGBTQ Faculty Committee and Spectrum, the event seeks to eliminate homophobia and create an inclusive campus.
Tuesday’s festivities will move to the lobby of Corey Union in the event of inclement weather.
National Coming Out Day evolved after the second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on Oct. 11, 1987. On that day, more than 500,000 people gathered to march in Washington, D.C. to celebrate coming out. Several LGBTQ organizations were born after the event, and the day’s anniversary now marks an annual celebration across the country.
Someone somewhere wants to step out, step up, and step into living their truth. You can help them and help Coming Out Coach Rick with a the challenge he’s laid out in this video. Help someone help themselves to “Come Out” with grace, peace and filled with self-love and self-acceptance.
National ‘Coming Out’ Day – October 11
October 10, 2011 by admin
