Happy National Coming Out Day from the editor and publisher of OutWire757!
Coming Out is a very personal and individualized process that can take years, even a lifetime as you new people come into your life. This is the 29th year that National Coming Out Day is being celebrated for anyone coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally.
National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in 1988, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The first National Coming Out Day served as reminder of the power of coming out and as an inspiration for those still suffering in the closet. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian and for transgender persons, that number is only one in 10.
Our community has made amazing strides the past several years and since the inauguration of President Trump, the rights and visibility we have fought so hard for are being eroded and under attack, making the act of coming out still a powerful tool When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Regardless of the outcome or reaction from loved ones, our stories are powerful. Kelly DiPaola came out to her entire family at Christmas in 2013 and made the following video.
Today, we honor everyone who have come out as LGBTQ or as an ally – it’s a brave act in what remains a hostile world. Every person that speaks up or acts in even the smallest ways immediately becomes an advocate for equality.
In Hampton Roads today, all area Chipotle locations are supporting Hampton Roads Pride. Bring in the flyer below or show the image on your smartphone and 50% of the proceeds from your meal will be donated to Hampton Roads Pride.
