National Coming Out Day - Spreading a message of equality for all

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.examiner.com/holidays-in-national/national-coming-out-day

In an effort to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and celebrate coming out, October 11 is National Coming Out Day (NCOD). Founded by psychologist Robert Eichberg and political leader and lesbian activist Jean O’Leary, the observance marks the anniversary the second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights when half a million people participated in the march back on October 11, 1987.

Discrimination and hatred against those in the gay community, continues to exist. Bullying, whether done online of off, can have deadly results. Hate crimes against LGBT Americans have increased 13 percent in one year, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.

Communities and campuses around the nation will take part in the annual event. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is encouraging folks to “donate your Facebook status” to help get the word out and show your support by spreading a message of equality

[Vanje]

1. Rec! Kick! Come out! Its sunny out here.

[nichomachus]

3. And we have snacks

[joeybee12]

2. KNR!

[Zorra]

4. Hi, everyone. I'm Zorra, and I'm LGBT...

not necessarily in that order.

[BillStein]

5. Hi Everybody! my name is Bill, and...

..I am Gay! Just in case the HRC symbol on my car, pride flag outside my home and the pictures of me and Rich on my desk didn't give it away....

[TriMera]

6. Hi! I'm TriMera and I am a proud lesbian! This is my Facebook

status for today:

Happy National Coming Out Day! I came out 26 years ago. In those 26 years, I’ve seen levels of hatred that most people couldn’t even imagine. I’ve also seen love and support from people that I never would have expected to be loving and supportive. It is because of those people that I have never had a day that I regretted coming out.

National Coming Out Day is not just about those of us that identify as LGBTQI. It is also about those allies who support us. Being an ally means loving and supporting us for who we are, not in spite of it. If you are someone who believes in equality for the LGBTQI community, it is just as important for you to stand up and speak out. Together, we can achieve equality and create a legacy for future generations.
Thank you - Kelly

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Happy NCOD!

I hope others will also go to: Olly Olly Oxen in Free! Come out, come out, wherever you are! and/or GLBT History Month: National Coming Out Day.

[William769]

8. While we have one National Coming out Day

Our opponents Have 365 Shit on us days.