11/10/2020
Sunday October 11th is National Coming Out Day. Initially an American initiative, it is now marked across the free world and anywhere where LGBTQ people feel able to be themselves. The first National Coming Out Day took place in the US on 11th October 1988, and this is turn marked the first anniversary of the Great National Lesbian and Gay March on Washington. The Gay Pagan network The Temple of Antinous reminds us “I”t is an international event that gives people the opportunity to come out as an act of spiritual and political courage, in defiance of all who would deny us our human rights. “ The Washington based Human Rights Campaign says “Coming out — whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer — 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.” In a first, the NFL, which is the American Football league, released a first time You Tube campaign in which those former players to have come out express their solidarity with any one within the sport who is ready to come out.
If you are thinking of coming out, remember, the LGBTQ community is a place with plenty of solidarity, support and community organisations that can help, advise and stand with you. Search for support on line or you can always contact the LGBT Switchboard on 0300 330 0630.
