October 11 is National Coming Out Day It is significant for several reasons. First, it is a day for the LBGT community to celebrate their diversity and the contributions they make to the community. Additionally, it is a day for closeted individuals to come out into the open about their orientation if this can be done safely, liberating themselves from a certain amount of shame and hiding. Plus, it is a day when we can all come out in support of the rich diversity that makes this nation so vibrant. Our society has come far in its acceptance of LBGT people, especially with the passage of an inclusive hate crimes bill on 22 October 2009, and signed into law by president Obama on October 28, 2009.
This legislation will help protect every person in the U.S. from being the victim of a hate crime in eight separate ways, on the basis of their: Race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Although we can feel proud of this achievement, there is still work to be done in affording equal rights to this group, including the right to get married, raise a family, and take care of and make decisions for a sick partner. Showing support for this group, and particularly support for individuals you know personally will help advance the struggle for equal rights and greater tolerance of diversity in all its forms, and could save someone from depressed isolation or suicide. October 11 is a day we can all come out for greater tolerance. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone in this group and let them know that they are valued and loved for who they are, no matter what their sexual orientation might be. If you know someone who is struggling with their sexual identity, let them know they are welcome to use you as a support person. If you are a parent of a LBGT person, rekindle or strengthen the love between you with acceptance and understanding. Vow to undertake the journey of finally seeing sexual orientation as God-given and nothing to be ashamed of. Stand up and interrupt oppression if you can by refusing to participate in anything that devalues this group. If your child goes to a school that does not have a way for LGBT students to gather and support and be supported by each other, try to establish such a group, or ask that it be established.
