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.

Currently, coming out has its complexity and dexterity to be considered. It has become more than marching for pride. We also march for the members of the community who are unable to march. We must consider their pace and peace, in its essence coming out is not equivalent to outing someone. There are people who don't believe in coming out anymore since living your truth is already a beacon of solidarity by simply marching on with life and with our hearts on our sleeves.

Amidst a global COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape has changed, and we face a different challenge in carrying out the mission, but nothing has ever truly silenced the efforts. Through social media campaigns 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 art forms to let our message across. These acts of social activism may be perceived as excessive to conservatives, but we must remember that conversations lead to changes.

We may have different concepts and principles, but one thing remains the same - LGTBQIA+ rights are human rights. Coming out goes beyond living an open life. Coming out does not diminish the validity of one’s choice to live their life without discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. Coming out is more than an effort to show the youth that they can express who they are. If you can be caring, respectful and kind, not just to the LGBTQIA+ community, but to humanity then you’ve come out and became unapologetically true to you which is the essence of a safe world for the LGBTQIA+ community to live truthfully and openly.