Celebrate National Coming Out Day

By the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group

Please join the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group in celebrating National Coming Out Day!

National Coming Out Day is observed every year on Oct. 11 in commemoration of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This observance began at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s, when stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS manifested in harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, members of the LGBTQ+ community lived in fear of embracing their identities, preventing them from presenting their genuine selves to family, friends, and colleagues.

Coming Out is therefore an important symbolic act for members of the LGBTQ+ community, one that casts aside the social forces that seek to keep us silent. Coming out empowers us to live our truth and encourages others to do the same without fear of being alone.

Although we have made significant strides in advancing the cause of equal rights and preventing legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, fear and stigma continue to play a pernicious role in our society. Sharing our authentic selves with others, particularly in the workplace, is not always safe or easy, and we continue to see senseless acts of violence, hatred, and discrimination targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

In the spirit of National Coming Out Day, we affirm that the County is a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We encourage anyone who is navigating the experience of coming out to avail themselves of these national and local resources to learn more and find a supportive community. For those who are looking for ways to be a better ally to their LGBTQ+ colleagues, this article offers a great overview of how to create a welcoming workplace.

We also encourage anyone—those who are curious or are at any stage of coming out, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies—to connect with the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group at any of our meetings or events.

Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia thrive in an atmosphere of silence, and our history has shown that embracing pride has empowered countless individuals to “come out” and live their truth, whether they be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, or any of the other countless identities that make up our vibrant community.

The Diversity and Inclusion Executive Council shared a message of support for the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group.

“The County is committed to diversity and inclusion, and the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group fosters that culture by inviting employees to learn about and participate in National Coming Out Day. Their efforts reinforce the importance of belonging, one of the County’s values, allowing employees to be comfortable as their authentic selves.”

To showcase our pride on this National Coming Out Day, the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group is providing Pride pins for staff to wear and show their support to friends, family, and colleagues. Pins will be made available on Oct. 9 at the east entrance of CAC and at COC Commons.

The LGBTQ&A ERG encourages County staff to wear pride apparel on Oct. 11, in an effort to remind each other that the County is a safe space for everyone.