What is National Coming Out Day?
National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day observed on October 11. It encourages individuals to “come out” as a form of activism, promoting visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. The day emphasizes the power of living openly and fostering understanding among people of all identities.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 11
- Tagged as: LGBTQ+ Awareness, Activism, Equality
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalComingOutDay
- When was it founded?: 1988
- Who founded it?: Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary
History of National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day was inspired by the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, where 500,000 individuals gathered to demand equality. On the march’s first anniversary, Robert Eichberg, a psychologist, and Jean O’Leary, an activist, launched NCOD to celebrate coming out as a courageous act of self-expression and activism. The date was chosen to honor the march’s anniversary and its spirit of liberation.
Timeline
- 1924: The Society for Human Rights, the first documented gay rights organization in the U.S., is founded.
- 1969: The Stonewall Riots mark the start of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
- 1987: The National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights takes place.
- 1988: The first National Coming Out Day is celebrated in 18 states.
- 1990: NCOD gains nationwide recognition across all 50 states and seven countries.
- 2002: A benefit CD titled Being Out Rocks is released to mark NCOD.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | October 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | October 11 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | October 11 | Thursday |
| 2030 | October 11 | Friday |
Observed
National Coming Out Day is observed in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Portugal. Events often include storytelling sessions, pride parades, workshops, and wearing symbols like rainbow flags or pink triangles.
Fun Facts About National Coming Out Day
- The term “coming out” originally referred to debuting into gay culture at drag balls.
- Keith Haring created an iconic logo for NCOD’s first observance in 1988.
- By its second year, NCOD expanded from 18 states to all 50 states in the U.S.
Quiz
- What year was National Coming Out Day founded? (Answer: 1988)
- Who were the founders of NCOD? (Answer: Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary)
- Why is October 11 significant for NCOD? (Answer: It marks the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.)
FAQs
Q: What does “coming out” mean?
A: It refers to publicly or privately sharing one’s LGBTQ+ identity with others.
Q: Is National Coming Out Day only for LGBTQ+ individuals?
A: No, allies also participate by showing support and fostering inclusivity.
Q: How can I celebrate NCOD?
A: You can share your story, attend events, or support LGBTQ+ organizations.
Importance of National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day highlights the significance of visibility in combating stereotypes and fostering inclusion. It empowers individuals to live authentically while educating society about LGBTQ+ identities and rights.
Related
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June)
- Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)
- Spirit Day (October)