
Today, October 11 2024, marks the 36th anniversary of “National Coming Out Day”, an annual event to celebrate and “come out of the closet” as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and to stand in solidarity with those who may not yet be ready to come out. It is also a time to remember that there’s still a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights.
National Coming Out Day was established in 1988 by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg, to coincide with the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It reminds us that one of our most basic tools in the fight for equality is the power of coming out. Whether it is as lesbian, gay, non-binary, transgender, queer, or any identity or sexuality you embrace, coming out still matters. Because when people with a heteronormative world view know someone who is LGBTQ+, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be extremely powerful to each other!
Coming out means telling our friends, family, co-workers, healthcare providers (such as therapists, medical doctors, etc.) or the Internet that we proudly identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We can come out no matter how we choose to define our sexuality and/or gender. And we have the right and the power to honor our identity, our sexuality and our heart at all times – on National Coming Out Day and throughout the year. Because no matter who or how we love, we should love ourselves for it.
Today we also acknowledge the difficulties of coming out and we remember that for many, coming out can sometimes feel scary or even unsafe. Our community has made dramatic strides in recent decades, but there is still much work to do to ensure intersectional equality and justice for all. Yet we continue to remain resilient. We continue to come together to celebrate ourselves, to support each other, and to advocate for our rights in ways that feel joyous, empowering and safe. And through our individual and collective actions, we send a clear message against the hate and bigotry: we are not going anywhere.
Below you’ll find a collection of quotes about coming out and National Coming Out Day. Whether you identify as a member of the community or as an ally, we hope they will inspire you to walk with your head held high, live your authentic life, love who you love, and fight for everyone else’s right to do the same.
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“The single best thing about coming out of the closet is that nobody can insult you by telling you what you’ve just told them.”
– Rachel Maddow
“How can people change their minds about us if they don’t know who we are?”
– Harvey Milk
“Personally, coming out was one of the most important things I’ve ever done, lifting from my shoulders the millstone of lies that I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.”
– Sir Ian McKellen
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
– Brené Brown
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
“There will always be enemies. Time to stop being your own.”
– Larry Kramer
“Putting yourself out there is hard, but it’s so worth it. It’s empowering and confidence-building and inspiring. Not only to other people, but to yourself.”
– Megan Rapinoe
“It takes a little bit of bravery to step out, to be like, okay, I don’t look like anybody else around here. I am making the conscious decision to present myself the way I want to today.”
– Hunter Schafer
“There’s no right or wrong way to be gay. No right or wrong way to come out. It’s your journey, do it the way you wanna do it.”
– Tan France
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No matter how (or whether) you choose to celebrate, we wish you and your loved ones a safe & happy National Coming Out Day! For more info, ways to support & celebrate and coming-out resources, click the links below:
Human Rights Campaign: National Coming Out Day
IntraSpectrum Counseling Blog: National Coming Out Day: Why It Matters Even More Today (9/11/2023)
IntraSpectrum Counseling Blog: Why You Should (& How To) Come Out to Your Doctors
IntraSpectrum Counseling Blog: Myths About Coming Out as LGBTQ+ at Work, & How to Be an At-Work Ally
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National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11. As Chicago’s leading psychotherapy practice dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, IntraSpectrum Counseling is proud to celebrate. Every day, we strive to provide the highest quality mental health care for clients of all ages and across the spectrum of identities. For anyone needing affirming and validating support or healing with any issue, please click here or email us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.