National Coming Out Day is an annual day celebrated on October 11, supporting those who decide to be open with their sexuality or gender.
National Coming Out Day was first observed on the one-year anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights and, 35 years later, many use this day in order to share their sexuality and their own personal journey.
More than 1.3m people in England and Wales identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual according to the census conduced in 2021. More than 748,000 of people over the age of 16 identify as lesbian or gay, with 624,000 identifying as bisexual.
‘Coming out of the closet’ is a personal experience for everyone and for many coming out is a challenge due to the fear of being judged and experiencing discrimination.
Sharna Roberts, a member of the LGBT+ community in Liverpool, said: “A lot of people are scared to come out because of the reaction from other people. Just be honest and don’t be scared of what people think and what they have to say.
“My mum was very supporting with it all the way through, and she still is. I’m very close to my mum so I can always go to her for advice. I am very lucky because I know some people who have had it hard trying to come out to their parents.’’
Celebrating National Coming Out Day is an important way to show our support to anyone who chooses to come out. It is also a reminder of the on-going struggles that the LGBTQ+ community face for just being themselves.
Featured image (c) Cassie Ward
