October 11th was chosen as the date to celebrate Coming Out Day to mark the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights ( the march took place in 1987). The day is not only to celebrate those who've already come out, but to support those who choose to keep their identity a secret, or perhaps encourage someone to come out who's been thinking about it.Ĭoming Out Day was founded in 1988 by Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist, to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and its civil rights movement.
Coming Out Day day is meant to celebrate the act of “coming out” – when an LGBTQIA person decides to publicly share their gender identities or sexual orientation. 11) is Coming Out Day! We celebrate the LGBTQIA community, and we celebrate our support of the LGBTQIA community! National Coming Out Day is celebrated every year on October 11 throughout the United States and other countries around the world.