UCOP Pride members march in the 2024 Oakland Pride March

UCOP Pride is proud to commemorate the 36^th anniversary of National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2024. We encourage our members, colleagues, friends and families to come out, speak out,and vote, especially during this time of eroding rights for queer people.

As a community of higher education professionals, we play a crucial role in promoting acceptance and inclusion, as well as fostering conditions for belonging and visibility for LGTBQ+ students, faculty, staff and administrators.

What is National Coming Out Day?

In 1988, psychologist Robert Eichberg and political activist Jean O’Leary established National Coming Out Day on October 11. The date coincides with the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987. Their approach to securing more rights for the LGBTQ+ community was to respond to anti-LGBTQ sentiments by celebrating the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to openly embrace one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Today, National Coming Out Day is a day of celebration and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals. It encourages people to embrace their true selves and live openly without fear. It is also a reminder that many individuals within LGBTQ+ communities, both domestically and abroad, face ongoing challenges, and even violence, with living their authentic selves. October 11 also represents an opportunity to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equal rights.

Ways to celebrate

Please join UCOP Pride in celebrating National Coming Out Day by:

• Sharing your own coming out story to friends and loved ones on social media or in person to inspire others.
• Celebrating those who have come out by showing your support for their courage and authenticity.
• Being a supportive ally, friend or family member to individuals who are considering coming out or have recently come out.
• Respecting a person’s name and pronouns to ensure they feel seen, heard and validated.
• Supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives that work toward LGBTQ+ equality.
• Showing your solidarity by wearing rainbow-colored clothing or accessories.

Many thanks for your support and allyship.

About UCOP Pride

UCOP Pride is dedicated to providing advocacy, education and community-building for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, genderqueer and non-binary community, and its allies, within UCOP and beyond.

UCOP Pride works to build community and solidarity among LGBTQIA staff and allies at UCOP, engage and inspire LGBTQIA individuals who work at UCOP, achieve greater inclusivity for the LGBTQIA community at UCOP and increase resources and broaden the base of support for LGBTQIA communities by improving UCOP’s awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA issues, needs and opportunities.

Let there be Pride!

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