National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11 in the U.S by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities and its allies.
The day commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington for gay and lesbian equality. National Coming Out Day events are aimed at raising awareness of the gay community among the general populace in an effort to give a familiar face to the gay rights movement.
The Human Rights Campaign manages the national event under the National Coming Out Project offering resources to LGBT couples, parents and their children as well as straight friends and relatives to promote awareness of LGBT families living honest and open lives.
Candace Gingrich became the spokesperson for the day in April 1995.
For an explanation of "coming out" and related terms, see The Closet.
