Happy National Coming Out Day!
Visibility is vital. When we tell the world our truth, we remind them that we belong, and we model courage and self-acceptance to those who might be struggling or who might be facing animosity regarding their sexuality or gender identity from people around them. We show them — and the world — that we have every right to be here just as we are.
NCOD is both a day to celebrate our community and a day to fight shame. In her Ted Talk, Brené Brown said that shame needs three things to grow — secrecy, silence, and judgment. On NCOD — and every day — we tell those three to scram.
All that being said, we also understand that not everyone is in a place where they feel they can come out. Maybe you’re just not ready. Maybe you’re in an environment where that’s not feasible. Just know that we’re here for you, we accept you, and we love you regardless of whether or not you’re out of the closet.
The LGBTQIA+ affinity group at NSC meets weekly and welcomes you to come join.
If you are struggling and need help, there are resources out there.
NSC provides counseling and there are nationwide organizations like, The Trevor Project, which can help, too.
Check out our post on the history of National Coming Out Day on our Instagram!
Information and Pictures for the Instagram History of National Coming Out Day taken from:
When We Rise by Cleve Jones
Pelosi by Molly Ball
A profile on Rob Eichberg by John R. Selig and Geoffrey Staples
National Coming Out Day episode. Oprah Winfrey Show 1988
Out Magazine.
Special thanks to the Seattle Public Library which hosts an online archive for LGBTQIA+ documents and pictures. It’s a treasure trove with stuff you won’t find on Google.
NSC Student Leadership Blog 