In the Beginning, There Was a March
On Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March
on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It was the second such demonstration
in our nation’s capital and resulted in the founding of a number of LGBT
organizations, including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization
(LLEGÓ) and AT&T’s LGBT employee group, LEAGUE. The momentum continued four months after this
extraordinary march as more than 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
activists from around the country gathered in Manassas, Va., about 25 miles
outside Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the LGBT community often reacted
defensively to anti-gay actions, they came up with the idea of a national day
to celebrate coming out and chose the anniversary of that second march on
Washington to mark it. The originators of the idea were Rob Eichberg, a founder
of the personal growth workshop, The Experience, and Jean O'Leary, then head of
National Gay Rights Advocates. From this idea the National Coming Out Day was born.
To this day National Coming Out Day continues to promote a safe
world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly.
Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or as an ally. On Oct. 11, 2013, we mark
the 25th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. This year's theme is
"Coming Out Still Matters."
25 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on
Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out
Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out.
One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian.
For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.
Coming out STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBT,
they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our
stories can be powerful to each other.
Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and
creates new advocates for equality.
Very good post! It is so important to be out and proud!
ReplyDeleteVERY important
DeleteI have been out for almost 30 years. October is also my anniversary and birthday. Thank you Gary for your love and support.
ReplyDeletewow 30 years? COOL :-)
Delete