Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally. Today we mark the 31st anniversary of National Coming Out Day!

Thirty-one years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

Coming out – whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied – STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, HRC honors all who have come out as LGBTQ or as a straight ally for equality – that takes bravery, and we commend you Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality.

For more on coming out, visit HRC’s Coming Out Center or check out the resources below.

Learn About Coming Out Day

History of National Coming Out Day

Celebrities Come Out for Equality

Whether it’s coming out as LGBTQ or as an ally, countless American actors, athletes, musicians and YouTube sensations have helped advance the movement for equality. In honor of National Coming Out Day, here are a few standout coming out moments in pop culture from the last year.

Living Openly

However you identify, HRC and its Coming Out project hope these guides and resources help you meet the challenges and opportunities that living openly offers to each of us.

Coming Out as Your True Identity

• A Resource Guide to Coming Out as Bisexual
• Transgender Visibility: A Guide to Being You
• A Resource Guide to Coming Out

Family & Community

• Living Authentically as LGBTQ Latinx Americans
• Living Authentically as LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander Americans
• Being African American and LGBTQ
• Family and Coming Out Issues for Asian and Pacific Islanders
• Family and Coming Out Issues for Latinx people
• Talking to Grandparents and Other Adult Family Members
• Transitioning in School

Religion & Faith

• Coming Home to Evangelicalism and to Self
• Coming Home to Mormonism and to Self
• Coming Home to Judaism and to Self
• Coming Home to Islam and to Self
• Coming Home to Catholicism and to Self
• Coming Home: to Faith, to Spirit, to Self
• Religion and Coming Out Issues for Latinx People
• Religion and Coming Out Issues for African Americans
• Religion and Coming Out Issues for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans

Workplace

• A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide
• Coming Out at Work
• Coming Out in the Workplace as Transgender

Health Care

• Coming Out to Your Doctor
• Coming Out to Your Doctor as Bisexual
• Transgender Children and Youth: Talking to Doctors and Medical Providers
• How Do I Talk to My Provider About PrEP?

Recursos en español

• Recursos para “salir del clóset”

SOURCE: HRC DOT ORG