Colby Melvin’s Coming Out Video

National Coming Out Day

In the United States, the Human Rights Campaign manages the event under the National Coming Out Project, offering resources to LGBT individuals, couples, parents and children, as well as straight friends and relatives, to promote awareness of LGBT families living honest and open lives. Candace Gingrich became the spokesperson for the day in April 1995. Despite its name, National Coming Out Day (so called because it originated as an event in the United States) is in fact observed in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany Canada and the United Kingdom. As of 2008 The Netherlands also has Coming Out Day on 10-11.

If you’re still in the closet and got someone to trust (and it’s safe), just talk.

Here’s what Gay Icon Cyndi Lauper has to say:

Today is National Coming Out Day! It is a time for all of us - straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender - to speak up about why we support equality. It is a time to let the people in your life know why you give a damn.
I wanted to share with you one of the reasons why I care. It is an issue that has not received enough attention and resources. It is gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth experiencing homelessness.
In honor of National Coming Out Day, the Huffington Post posted an Op-Ed I wrote about why I give a damn about helping these brave young people. Here is just the start of what I had to say:

• Twenty to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, yet only 3 to 5 percent of the general population does the same. Shock was the first thing I felt when I heard this statistic, and then sadness that there are so many young people who are either thrown out of their homes or run away out of fear and despair because they are gay or transgender.
• But, while the disproportionate numbers are disheartening, what really matters and makes a significant impact are the young people themselves, their struggles and their desire to live a life that they dream about and deserve to live…

Please take a moment to read my story and take action yourself. Share the post with your family and friends onFacebook and Twitter, or just forward this email, so they can get informed and get involved as well.
If we all join together we can make a difference. Thank you for continuing to give a damn!
All my best,