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October 11 is National Coming Out Day, a day of celebration and support for those who are LGBTQ+! This special day has been around since 1988 as an annual civil awareness event to help celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It also serves to recognize the courage it takes for someone to come out and be their true self.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stonewall Riots</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Stonewall Riots in New York City sparked the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and change the landscape of historical activism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Pride March</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Pride March took place in New York City on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots to commemorate the event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rainbow Flag Creation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Community artist Gilbert Baker created the Rainbow Flag, a symbol of diversity and unity for the LGBTQ+ community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National March on Washington</div><div class='timeline-text'>Half a million people participated in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, demanding legal recognition and protection of LGBTQ+ rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Coming Out Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Coming Out Day was observed on October 11, the anniversary of the National March on Washington, to celebrate individuals coming out as LGBTQ+ and raise awareness about the community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Marriage Equality in the US</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalizes same-sex marriage in all 50 states, a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the US.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Gather your loved ones</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your closest friends and family to come together and show their support for you. Whether it's a virtual gathering or an in-person gathering, it will be a special moment for all.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter to yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to reflect on your own journey, and write down your thoughts and feelings. It can be therapeutic to document the steps of your journey and the emotions that go along with it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look around for events related to National Coming Out Day in your local area, or even online. Attending an event can be a great way to connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a conversation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this day as an opportunity to start a conversation about coming out with someone who is close to you. This is a great way to create awareness and foster understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Express yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are so many ways to express yourself and celebrate National Coming Out Day - whether it's through art, music, or writing, find something that speaks to you and make it your own.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It increases visibility and representation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the most important aspects of National Coming Out Day is that it affords LGBTQ+ persons visibility within their communities and a platform to express themselves. In coming out, they can be seen and represented, which allows for greater acceptance and understanding within society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity & support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Coming Out Day also serves as an opportunity for those who are out to support each other and unite in solidarity. Not only does this increase the sense of community, but also lets others see LGBTQ+ individuals living openly and confidently in spite of any stigma or discrimination surrounding them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It creates an empowering narrative</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Coming out can be a stressful event for many people, but national Coming Out Day celebrates those who have had the courage to do so. This narrative not only highlights their strength, but also encourages those who are still struggling with coming out to begin that journey with confidence and optimism.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Coming Out Day is Globally Celebrated</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the holiday originated in the United States, National Coming Out Day is acknowledged and celebrated by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. It serves as a universal symbol of acceptance and promotes global solidarity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday’s Logo is a Rainbow Door</h3><p class='facts-content'>The official logo for National Coming Out Day is a door, symbolizing the 'coming out of the closet' metaphor, emblazoned with the rainbow flag associated with LGBTQ+ pride.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Infamous Phrase "Coming Out" Has Historical Roots</h3><p class='facts-content'>The expression "coming out" originally stems from the debutante, when young women were officially introduced to society. The phrase was adopted by the LGBTQ+ community to signify the self-disclosure of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each Year Has a Unique Theme</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, strict to the tradition, National Coming Out Day follows a unique theme. Themes in the past have included "Coming Out Still Matters" and "Coming Out for Equality", each highlighting a certain aspect or issue within the LGBTQ+ community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Coming Out Day Supports Allyship</h3><p class='facts-content'>The day is not only about celebrating those who come out as LGBTQ+, but also those who, on this day, choose to openly affirm their allyship with the community.</p></div></div>
National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11 every year. In 2024 National Coming Out Day will occur on a Friday.
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