UCF Students celebrating Orlando Pride. (Photo courtesy of UCF’s Twitter)
National Coming Out Day was celebrated throughout Central Florida, Tampa Bay and around the globe Oct. 11.
LGBTQ activists, organizations and political leaders took to their social media to celebrate the day and stand with the community.
Today is #NationalComingOutDay! Sending love to every person who identifies as #LGBTQ+ and want you to know that not only are you brave but you’re supported, especially by many elected officials like me! pic.twitter.com/nefnMuBRGX
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) October 11, 2021
Coming out is a deeply personal experience. #NationalComingOutDay serves as a reminder that whenever you’re ready—whether it’s today or in the future—you are loved for who you are. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 pic.twitter.com/FUtaaJuYfC
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) October 12, 2021
I’m PROUD to represent a district that is home to such a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ community. No matter who you are or who you love, you are welcome here! #NationalComingOutDay pic.twitter.com/B0yBaZ1LwE
— Congressman Charlie Crist (@RepCharlieCrist) October 11, 2021
Whatever route your journey takes, it’s yours to take at your own pace. On this #NationalComingOutDay simply know that here in Florida there are a lot of people who will love and support you, every day.
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) October 11, 2021
The University of Central Florida made a post on Twitter extending its support to its LGBTQ students and the community.
🌈 Love is love. And at UCF, we 💛 you just the way you are. 🥰 Happy #NationalComingOutDay! pic.twitter.com/7vBfP6wn3i
— UCF (@UCF) October 11, 2021
UCF has a multitude of support systems for LGBTQ students and staff, in order to create a space where resources can be created and explored in the future.
26Health offered its support and provided a calendar for more pride events taking place during LGBTQ History Month.
Today is National Coming Out day, and we couldn’t be more excited here at 26Health! It is a brave act to come out to the world–we see you, and we support you! #NationalComingOutDay
Learn more about the history of Orlando’s Pride celebrations here: https://t.co/fUlNUW7KVk pic.twitter.com/mLS9J512Vh
— 26Health (@26_Health) October 11, 2021
ALSO Youth made a statement on Instagram celebrating those who came out today and offering their support to those who still aren’t ready.
View this post on Instagram
President Joe Biden made a statement for the LGBTQ community offering support from him and his administration. President Biden explained how he understands that there is still work that needs to be done so that everyone can feel safe and supported.
“Despite the extraordinary progress our nation has made, our work to ensure the full promise of equality is not yet done,” President Biden said. “To LGBTQ+ people across the country, and especially those who are contemplating coming out: know that you are loved for who you are, you are admired for your courage, and you will have a community — and a nation — to welcome you.”
National Coming Out Day is a celebration for those in the LGBTQ community who are living their most authentic truth and offers hope to those who aren’t ready yet. In 1988, psychologist Richard Eichberg and gay rights activist Jane O’Leary founded Coming Out Day to offer support and raise awareness to the LGBTQ community and the hardships they have faced. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. 33 years later, National Coming Out Day is celebrated by millions of people nationwide.
