"In the Beginning, There Was a March: 1987

On Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This was the second such demonstration in our nation’s capital and the first display of the NAMES Project Quilt, remembering those who have died from AIDS. One measure of the march’s success was the number of organizations that were founded as a result — including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization (LLEGÓ) and AT&T’s GLBT employee group, LEAGUE. The momentum continued four months after this extraordinary march as more than 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists from around the country gathered in Manassas, Va., about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the GLBT 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. National Coming Out Day was born." from an article at HRC.ORG.

For those who are not quite out yet, this day is meant for you. A day to celebrate who you are, knowing there is an entire community out there to help and support you. There are as many ways to come out as there are people who have done, and will do, it. You must find the way that feels right for you. And you don;t have to come out all at once. All you need is one person, someone you trust, someone you think will understand. If you aren't comfortable telling someone you know, attend an event at your local Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered organization. For a complete list of GLBT organizations please visit the National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Centers. These centers are staffed by people just like you and can lend an understanding ear.