October 2020 Issue
FEATURES
National Coming Out Day: Unapologetically True to Oneself
written by Russel Clint Francis So
National Coming Out Day is an annual awareness day to promote a safe world for the LGBTQIA+ community to live truthfully and openly. It all started back in October 11, 1987 where half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. National Coming Out Day was inaugurated in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary. Eichberg was psychologist from New Mexico and O’Leary was an openly lesbian political leader and long-time activist from New York. Since then, October 11 was coined National Coming Out Day in commemoration of the historic event. In an article for the Times back in August 15, 1995, Eichberg was quoted “Most people think they don't know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.” And since then, other groups typically within the LGBT community rallied every year fearlessly fighting against homophobia and oppressive views by being unapologetically true to one’s self.
Today, we reap the fruitful results of generations of equal rights activism that has come before us. National Coming Out Day has become a global celebration of coming out to raise awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community and our civil rights. We are truly blessed by the privilege we have now, but the fight isn’t over yet. We’ve merely broken the glass ceiling and made them aware of the humanity that is LGBTQIA+ but we have yet to achieve true acceptance.
and virtual activities, we’re even more visible than we could’ve imagined just two decades ago. We continue to come out for the fearful youth in the hopes of inspiring them of a fearless future. We are steadfast in upholding the duties instilled within us from our predecessors. We still provoke change through dialogues and educating the world of the humanity that is us. We’re resorted to different artforms to let our message across. These acts of social activism may be perceived as excessive to conservatives, but we must remember that Currently, coming out has its complexity conversations lead to changes. and dexterity to be considered. It has become more than marching for pride. We We may have different concepts and prinalso march for the members of the com- ciples, but one thing remains the same munity who are unable to march. We must LGTBQIA+ rights are human rights. Comconsider their pace and peace, in its es- ing out goes beyond living an open life. sence coming out is not equivalent to out- Coming out does not diminish the validity ing someone. There are people who don't of one’s choice to live their life without believe in coming out anymore since living discussing sexual orientation or gender your truth is already a beacon of solidarity identity. Coming out is more than an effort by simply marching on with life and with to show the youth that they can express our hearts on our sleeves. who they are. If you can be caring, respectful and kind, not just to the LGBTQIA+ Amidst a global COVID-19 pandemic, the community, but to humanity then you’ve landscape has changed, and we face a dif- come out and became unapologetically ferent challenge in carrying out the mis- true to you which is the essence of a safe sion, but nothing has ever truly silenced the world for the LGBTQIA+ community to live efforts. Through social media campaigns truthfully and openly.
Artwork by @Crave
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