Today is National Coming Out Day (NCOD), an internationally-observed civil awareness day for both coming out and for discussion about gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. It is observed by member of the LGBT community and their supporters.

The first NCOD was held on October 11, 1988. NCOD is held on October 11th each year to commemorate the first march on Washington by LBGT people in 1987.

It is highly encouraged for participants on this day to wear gay pride symbols, such as the pink triangle (for gay men), the black triangle (for lesbian women), the Greek letter lambda, and rainbows in jewelry and on clothing.

The obvious way to celebrate, of course, is to come out, if you are in fact gay. If you’re not, and you’re a supporter of the LGBT community, make sure to show it today. If you’re not, take some time to gain a little bit of understanding about the community. NCOD founders Rob Eichberg, Ph. D. and Jean O’Leary encourage all people of all sexual orientations to “take your next step” in living openly and powerfully today.

For more ideas on how to celebrate click here. To find out how and where others are celebrating click here. 

And for more info about the movement click here.

Image from www.bluedevilsunited.com.