Yahoo Finance Celebrate National Coming Out Day This October
National Coming Out Day is all about celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals who've "come out," or announced their sexuality and/or gender identity, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The holiday is celebrated on October 11, and doubles as a reminder of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which led to increased LGBTQ+ activism around the country. While National Coming Out Day is meant to celebrate those who have gone public with their sexual orientation or gender identity, it is also meant to create, foster, and promote a safer world for LGBTQ+ individuals to "live truthfully and openly," per the HRC. It is a testament to the bravery and courage of those LGBTQ+ individuals who've chosen to live their lives openly and authentically, and an emblem of support for future LGBTQ+ individuals to come out in their own time, on their own terms, and when they feel safe and ready to do so.
If you're not familiar with the term "coming out," the Trevor Project describes it as "when a person decides to reveal an important part of who they are with someone in their life." For many LGBTQ+ individuals, this often involves "sharing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity." Whether an individual decides to come out to one person, a few, select people, their immediate family, or an entire community, it's important to treat them with respect and support throughout the entire process. Studies have shown that family acceptance and support is crucial for the mental health and wellbeing on LGBTQ+ people. Unfortunately, and even in the year 2020, many LGBTQ+ individuals are met with negative reactions upon coming out. In fact, a 2013 survey found that 40% of LGBTQ adults experienced rejection from a family member or close friend.
These negative reactions, in turn, result in negative mental health outcomes. Currently, LGBTQ+ adults are almost twice as likely as straight adults to experience substance abuse, are at a higher risk of attempting suicide, and are at a higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family rejection is among the reasons why LGBTQ+ people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness — a figure that's even higher for Black LGBTQ+ youth.
National Coming Out Day is a great opportunity to remember the importance of coming out and to support the LGBTQ+ community. According to the HRC, knowing someone within the LGBTQ+ community makes a person much more likely to support "equality under the law." The powerful, personal coming out stories that are proudly shared on National Coming Out Day (and on any day) can make an impact on the hearts and minds of people both in and outside of the LGBTQ+ community.
To celebrate National Coming Out Day, take the opportunity to further educate yourself on the history of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the current, on-going efforts for equality. And of course, make sure you're cultivating an accepting and supportive environment within your community that is safe for LGBTQ+ individuals to come out when and if they choose to.
Happy National Coming Out Day!
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