by Jenni Kenel ‘14

On October 11, 1987, around 125,000 people gathered in Washington DC to advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights; this is commonly known as the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. LGBT activist Jean O’Leary, head of the National Gay Rights Advocates, initiated the idea of National Coming Out Day. Because of this march, and O’Leary’s determination, in 1988, October 11 became National Coming Out Day. Since this day, many LGBT youths have come out about their feelings, and have gained confidence from the success of National Coming Out Day. At first, only 18 states participated in National Coming Out Day, but by 1990 all 50 states along with seven other countries had recognized this important date in LGBT history. Currently, National Coming Out Day is recognized in nine countries around the world and continues to encourage homosexual and bisexual citizens to accept themselves and fight for their rights.