National Coming Out Day

October 11th marks the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place 1987. Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 by Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist, to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and its civil rights movement.

When people have to hide an important part of their identity, it creates a sense of shame and inhibits healthy relationships. This leads to depression and anxiety, which benefit neither the sufferer nor the community they live in. There is no such thing as "their" problem--anything that affects members of a society affects the whole society. So it is in our best interests to help each person be the best they can be. We do that by being respectful, providing equal opportunities, and making our communities safe for all.