Happy National Coming Out Day, From HRC

Source: HRC Blog
by Maureen McCarty, HRC Senior Digital Strategist

Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. NCOD began on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights as an opportunity to promote a safe world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly.

This year, we continue to honor the power of coming out and underscore that, even in light of recent victories, there is more work to do.

This week, HRC engaged campuses in Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon to celebrate NCOD and encourage LGBT students and allies to come out for equality. Our weeklong blog campaign highlighted stories from HRC friends, supporters and staff discussing the still profound impact of coming out. And we asked our 1.5 million members and supporters to share their stories about why coming out still matters to them.

When people know someone who is LGBT, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Our stories have the power to change hearts and minds.

Join us in looking back at some of the trailblazing coming out moments in American media that raised the profile of LGBT Americans and sparked important dialogue about the fight for equality.