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vintageadsNational Coming Out Day is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender coming out regarding one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The day is observed annually by members of the LGBT community and allies on October 11. The day was founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, a psychologist from New Mexico and founder of the personal growth workshop, The Experience, and Jean O'Leary, an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles and then head of the National Gay Rights Advocates. The date of October 11 was chosen because it was the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
If anyone in our community wishes to share a person story, even without an ad in the post, please do!!!!
Think of how the mentality of mainstream Americans (well most) have changed even in the last 15 or so years in regards to famous people coming out and stating they are gay. I think coming out is a personal choice, and don't agree with some that famous people should be forced to declare their sexual preferences. But when someone who is famous DOES come out, it is incredibly powerful and can impact tremendously those who feel shame or that they have to hide who they really are. Even NON-famous people, stating they are gay, living openly as they are, can have a tremendous impact on those who are afraid due to factors in their life (family, cultural, etc.) Straight people supporting equality for the LGBT community openly also shows others that there IS support for them.
NEVER be ashamed of who are, who you love, or how you love. If you are shunned, that is they shunner's problem, not yours! I know that is easier said than done if you are dependent on such people for your livelihood. Don't let them eat away at your soul and plan your escape to be able to live YOUR life as you ARE as soon as you can.
If you or anyone you know has difficulty with coming out or faces challenges---harassment, etc contact the GLBT National Help Center--they have people you can talk to and can give you contacts in your area. Also the The Trevor Project has people you can talk to and can offer other assistance. NEVER feel you have to deny your true self. You don't have to make a proclamation and have a plane fly around with a banner, but you shouldn't have to hide who you really are. And as we know, our friends in Russia are facing that right now. That's why this human rights issue---LGBT Equality---is so important.
If anyone in our community wishes to share a person story, even without an ad in the post, please do!!!!
Think of how the mentality of mainstream Americans (well most) have changed even in the last 15 or so years in regards to famous people coming out and stating they are gay. I think coming out is a personal choice, and don't agree with some that famous people should be forced to declare their sexual preferences. But when someone who is famous DOES come out, it is incredibly powerful and can impact tremendously those who feel shame or that they have to hide who they really are. Even NON-famous people, stating they are gay, living openly as they are, can have a tremendous impact on those who are afraid due to factors in their life (family, cultural, etc.) Straight people supporting equality for the LGBT community openly also shows others that there IS support for them.
NEVER be ashamed of who are, who you love, or how you love. If you are shunned, that is they shunner's problem, not yours! I know that is easier said than done if you are dependent on such people for your livelihood. Don't let them eat away at your soul and plan your escape to be able to live YOUR life as you ARE as soon as you can.
If you or anyone you know has difficulty with coming out or faces challenges---harassment, etc contact the GLBT National Help Center--they have people you can talk to and can give you contacts in your area. Also the The Trevor Project has people you can talk to and can offer other assistance. NEVER feel you have to deny your true self. You don't have to make a proclamation and have a plane fly around with a banner, but you shouldn't have to hide who you really are. And as we know, our friends in Russia are facing that right now. That's why this human rights issue---LGBT Equality---is so important.
