‘Knock. Knock. Knock. You out yet?’
via Twitter
Today marks the 28th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. It’s a day to celebrate living openly as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or an ally. It was founded in 1988 by Robert Eichenberg and Jan O’Leary to give people an opportunity to show their true selves while increasing gay visibility and acceptance. “Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact everybody does,” Robert Eichberg said. “It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.”
Given the success of efforts such as National Coming Out Day in promoting LGBTQ acceptance, in recent years, the day has evolved into a community celebration. While LGBTQ acceptance in America is on the rise, there are far too many places in the world where coming out is dangerous. That’s why LOGO television made a powerful statement today by censoring all of its queer-related content to show solidarity with those who cannot live openly.
“In many countries today, LGBTI people can’t turn on their TV, go online or open a newspaper and see relatable and positive images,” Senior Vice President of Original Programming Pamela Post told The Huffington Post. “The Day of Disruption gives a glimpse at what life could be like in those countries and, on National Coming Out Day, reminds us all about the LGBTI people in this country and around the world who can’t live openly and proudly.”
Here are 20 of the most hilarious and powerful ways people celebrated #NationalComingOutDay on Twitter.
"LGBT individuals deserve to know their country stands beside them." —President Obama #NationalComingOutDay https://t.co/op7nBzbaod— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1476220689
On #NationalComingOutDay, LGBTQ leaders talk about life in the early days of the movement. https://t.co/LlUvl8rvQf— AJ+ (@AJ+) 1476221826
Been gay. Still gay. Always gonna be gay. Happy #nationalcomingoutday! ?????? https://t.co/balhJ0hHd4 https://t.co/6u4Dfmivfu— Alex Goldschmidt (@Alex Goldschmidt) 1476218254
“I want the world to know. Got to let it show. #NationalComingOutDay https://t.co/s6F2PumdA7— RuPaul (@RuPaul) 1476212568
Happy #NationalComingOutDay from my work squad to yours ???? https://t.co/UUb5yK4Z48— Tony • GMA (@Tony • GMA) 1476211666
Happy #NationalComingOutDay https://t.co/487DKqMM77— Southern Homo (@Southern Homo) 1476205953
When people realize they already know and love an LGBTQ person, we come closer total equality and acceptance. Happy #NationalComingOutDay.— Judy Gold (@Judy Gold) 1476204076
Happy #NationalComingOutDay ?????? https://t.co/3gEsZ6v4gs— Matt Lucas (@Matt Lucas) 1476200566
Happy #NationalComingOutDay! If you're gonna do it, make sure you do it with style. https://t.co/KBsBEaydFA— Attitude Magazine (@Attitude Magazine) 1476185944
Coming out isn't the end of all your troubles. It's the beginning of new and better ones. Still, happy #NationalComingOutDay.— Dan Savage (@Dan Savage) 1476185405
If someone comes out to you, thank them. Be honoured they felt safe enough to share that with you. #NationalComingOutDay— Cypher... trying to rest. Trying (@Cypher... trying to rest. Trying) 1476184759
I text my mum. She said 'I thought so' I text my dad. He said 'you're still my son' No drama #NationalComingOutDay— Marcus ?????????????? (@Marcus ??????????????) 1476181526
Today on #NationalComingOutDay, we will censor #DragRace S8 in solidarity w/ those who cannot live openly around th… https://t.co/Byb7a58nfM— Logo ???? (@Logo ????) 1476180008
Happy #NationalComingOutDay! Be proud of who you are. ?????? https://t.co/1dxTNoPhGo— HuffPost UK (@HuffPost UK) 1476177674
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