What is the history of "National Coming Out Day" and have you taken the day to come out or support those who have?

I’ve never heard of this before but it sounds wonderful. No one should have to hide who they are.

I am straight but I think anyone who is a homosexual or bisexual should come out because it is emotionally unhealthy to hold such a thing secret. No one can ultimatley hide who they are and it will ultimately be found out sooner or later and it would be better if they came out willingly on their own terms.

When at NYU, we had so many different ways of celebrating NCOD – we’d make stickers and buttons and some are still all over the furniture (I was fond of the ‘I AM’ stickers)...one time there was a major kiss-in on the steps of the student center, that was good times. Today, the pride center I’m on a board of is doing Cupcakes at Re/Dress (a plus size vintage clothing store) and I can’t go ‘cause I have to study for the GRE but I so would have been there. NCOD has always had a positive effect on me as a queer person.

If you want to read an overview on the history of National Coming Out Day, I like the one provided by the Human Rights Campaign.

The community I grew up in and currently reside is not supportive of LGBTQ individuals. To me, this makes National Coming Out Day all the more important. Even if it is only one day out of the entire year, it is a way for us to connect and share our stories, experiences, and hopes for the future. It sends a message to everyone still afraid of coming out, still shameful of their identity, or absolutely confused… that they are not alone.

My campus’ pride center organized a networking event. I was unable to drop by today, but I passed by on my way to the bus stop. They are lovely people :) I wish we had organized a group like that in high school. I know many students who would have benefited from having a safe zone to speak openly.

I’ve never heard of it but I haven’t been on or around a college campus since the 90’s. Congratulations to anyone ready to “come out” or to those who feel in support.

From another question:

Mostly straight, 100% supportive. Gay rights are human rights. Everyone should have the same ones, damn it. It’s high time everyone realized that, and make it so.
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I’ve been using my facebook account to highlight the plight of the bullied teenagers who have killed themselves recently. I’m raising my kids to know that homosexuality is perfectly natural, and that they will always have our full support, regardless of their sexuality. And of course, teaching them that bullying is not acceptable, under any circumstances.