
Out musician Steve Grand
Social media was awash in rainbows and proud declarations of identity today, the 27th annual National Coming Out Day.Â
October 11 2015 4:11 PM EST
October 11 2015 9:23 PM EST
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Social media was awash in rainbows and proud declarations of identity today, the 27th annual National Coming Out Day.Â
Unless you've been taking a self-imposed screen-time vacation, you've likely noticed that your social media channels are particularly out and proud today. That's no coincidence. Today marks the 27th annual National Coming Out Day, and LGBT people (and allies) from all corners of the country were making themselves known today.
The wide range of identities and individuals claiming them speaks to the endless diversity of our big, happy, rainbow-hued family. Here are some of the posts that gave us the warm-fuzzies:
Musicians and celebrities were quick to sound off:
\u201cOut is the new IN. \n#NationalComingOutDay\u201d— Ricky Martin (@Ricky Martin) 1444584864
\u201c#NationalComingOutDay--\nComing out is a huge moment; do it when you feel #SafeAndAble\nIf you're straight, make people feel safe to come out.\u201d— Chely Wright (@Chely Wright) 1444590969
\u201cAll love. No hate. @NOH8Campaign #NationalComingOutDay\u201d— Frankie James Grande (@Frankie James Grande) 1444592970
As were LGBT organizations and their leaders:
\u201cHappy #NationalComingOutDay! Time to keep up the fight for fairness for ALL #LGBT people.\u201d— Freedom for All Americans (@Freedom for All Americans) 1444586428
\u201cSharing your story is important & I know takes courage. Last year I shared my biggest regret https://t.co/zkV4aFWxyJ\u201d— Chad Griffin (@Chad Griffin) 1444575635
\u201cHappy National #ComingOut Day, from @HRC https://t.co/6lRaKNXEwx #NCOD\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1444564872
\u201cNew blog post by our Exec Director: "How I Came Out--Rea Carey's Story" https://t.co/ghxVINQ6SY @rea_carey #LGBTQ #NationalComingOutDay\u201d— TheTaskForce (@TheTaskForce) 1444592126
Some took the chance to highlight identities that are often underrepresented:
\u201cwhatever you are, be a good one :) #NationalComingOutDay \n\n(art by kirstendraws on tumblr)\u201d— keke (@keke) 1444584683
Two of the Democratic presidential hopefuls added their voices to the conversation (at press time, Bernie Sanders hadn't made reference to NCOD on his social media accounts):
\u201c"You will surprise yourself with what you\u2019re capable of and the incredible things you [do]." #NationalComingOutDay\nhttps://t.co/Ks0VR4Xomt\u201d— Hillary Clinton (@Hillary Clinton) 1444583961
\u201cThis #NationalComingOutDay let's celebrate the progress we\u2019ve made & strive to make America a place where everyone can be just who they are.\u201d— Martin O'Malley (@Martin O'Malley) 1444577296
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, the city's first out mayor, offered these words of encouragement:
\u201cDon't be afraid to be yourself. Who knows? Maybe someday you will be mayor! #NationalComingOutDay\u201d— Ed Murray (@Ed Murray) 1444591776
Even a few fictional characters chimed in:
\u201cAlright. But only because you haven't outed Rod and Todd. #NationalComingOutDay\u201d— The Simpsons (@The Simpsons) 1444588512
Meanwhile, some participants took the opportunity to stress that coming out is a unique experience for everyone, and something only to be done when one is safe and able to be open in their environment. As trans author, activist, and father S. Bear Bergman suggested:
Someone made this from my FB status a few years ago on National Coming Out Day. I still feel pretty good about it.
Posted by S. Bear Bergman on Sunday, October 11, 2015
\u201cThere's no timeline for coming out. If you're struggling on #NationalComingOutDay, we're here 866-488-7386.\u201d— The Trevor Project (@The Trevor Project) 1444439732