National Coming Out Day: October 11, 2024

National Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11th, was established by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary in 1988 to mark the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The purpose of National Coming Out Day is to support individuals in living openly and authentically. It celebrates the act of "coming out" - when a person publicly shares their sexual orientation or gender identity - as a form of personal empowerment and a way to increase visibility for LGBTQIA+ communities. 

To learn more about the significance of this day and how you can offer support, we invite you to explore the following resources:

• Smithsonian | National American Museum of African-American History & Culture 

  • Salsa Soul Sisters (1974–1993)

    • This story details the work of the Salsa Soul Sisters, founded in 1974 by Rev. Dolores Jackson– the oldest Black lesbian and lesbians of color womanist organization in the United States. Salsa Soul Sisters carried the official march banner at the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979.

  • Posing for LGBTQ+ History

    • This story highlights the work of photographer and activist, Dr. Ron Simmons, whose artwork was donated to NMAAHC in 2019. This collection encourages us to reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to the LGBTQIA+ movement in the United States. 

• NYU Special Collections | Gay Cable Network Archives

  • Pride and Progress, Episode No. 43 (1987)

    • This footage captured by the Gay Cable Network features the 750,000 people from over 30 states who marched on the Capitol in Washington to demand that action be taken during the AIDS crisis.

• Cornell University | HRC Digital Exhibition - National Coming Out Day

  • This online exhibition provides a chronology of the evolution of National Coming Out Day and files from the early years of the celebration’s organization, which are part of the Human Rights Campaign records.

NYU’s LGBTQ+ Center offers an array of resources for members of LGBTQIA+ communities, and those interested in learning more and becoming allies to fellow community members. Check out their annual NY(DRAG)U event happening Wednesday, October 9th!

Visit our communications archive to read last year’s National Coming Out Day message and engage with more resources!