Coming Out Day | English Version

What is Coming Out Day?

Coming Out Day (officially National Coming Out Day) is celebrated every year on October 11 – around the world, though it originally began in the United States.

It was founded in 1988 by queer activists Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary, on the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights – a major queer protest that took place in 1987.

Why does Coming Out Day exist?

The idea behind it was – and still is – simple, yet powerful:

Visibility creates safety.

When queer people can be open about who they are –in everyday life, among friends, at work –diversity becomes something tangible.Stereotypes are challenged, fears and barriers begin to fade,and different realities of life become visible.

It’s not about pressure or expectation.No one has to come out.It’s about showing up – bravely, authentically – when it feels right.And about holding space in solidarity for those who can’t (yet) do so.

Why it’s still important today

Even decades later, queer people around the world still face:

• Discrimination and exclusion

• Fear of losing family or employment

• Misunderstanding, stigma, and even violence

That’s why days like Coming Out Day are still needed –

• As a source of courage for those who are still uncertain

• As a counterbalance to hate and narrow-mindedness

• And as a reminder that identity never needs an explanation – only acceptance.

Why Write About Queerness and LGBTQIA+ Topics?

Because pictures and short clips can’t capture the full complexity of queer life.That gap often leads to confusion outside the “bubble” – which fuels prejudice, hate, and division.

js.colourful.life – The Queer Blog

You’re warmly invited to explore the different sections and topics.Whether you’re searching for answers, want to learn more as an ally,or simply wish to understand what all this rainbow talk and language discussion is about – you’re in the right place.

What Does “Coming Out” Actually Mean?

“Coming Out” describes the moment of becoming visible in your sexual orientation or gender identity.

There are two levels:

Inner Coming Out:

The moment you realize for yourself:

“I’m not straight / not cis / not binary, etc.”

Outer Coming Out:

When you share that realization with others –

for example, with friends, family, or publicly.

Both steps are independent of each other.Some people never come out publicly – and that’s completely okay.In the end, your orientation is yours alone – it’s personal, and only concerns you and your partner(s).

When Is the Right Time?

There is no fixed time.You decide when, how – or if at all – you want to come out.

What matters is: your coming out belongs to you.No one has the right to “out” you or pressure you into it.

What If I’m (Still) Not Ready?

That’s totally fine.Coming out is a process, not a deadline.

Some people come out at 14, others at 34 – or never.Every story is different.You can take all the time you need.

Do I Even Have to Come Out?

No.In a perfect world, coming out wouldn’t even be necessary –because no one would make assumptions about who you are.

But in reality, coming out often helps you feel freer,more authentic, and more connected –as long as the environment is safe.

How Can I Support Someone Else During Their Coming Out?

• Listen – without judging.

• Don’t ask for “proof.” You don’t have to understand, you just have to respect.

• Stay discreet. A coming out is deeply personal – it’s not your story to share.

• Ask how you can help.

• Celebrate if it’s wanted – or simply be there if quiet support feels right.

When Are New Posts Published?

A new blog post goes live every Thursday at 6 PM. And if you want to do more than just read –if you’d like to exchange ideas and connect –you’re warmly invited to join our community.

My Experience with Coming Out

Between “a phase” and feeling at peace with myself

I never had one big coming out moment. No grand speech. No trembling confession.

No reaction that turned my world upside down.

For me, it was more of a gentle flow. An “it just is.”

A quiet acceptance of things that might have been red flags for someone else.

It was never fully a secret – but never fully spoken either.

And sometimes I wonder if I missed something.

Or if I was just lucky.

Maybe both.

What others called a “normal girl phase” was, in truth, simply a part of me. Not a phase, not rebellion, not confusion.

Just… me.

Coming Out Day Isn’t Only for Loud Stories

It’s also for the quiet ones.For the inner conversations.

For the first time you thought to yourself:“Hmm. Maybe I’m different. Maybe I’m just… me.”

It’s for the people who were never asked.And for those who never answered themselves.

It’s for you – whether you came out, shouted it out, got pushed out,or simply… kept walking.

Because “coming out” isn’t an event.It’s a journey.And everyone walks it differently.

Be gentle with yourself –

and with those who are still finding their way.

Get Involved

Would you like to contribute your own text?

Send me a message with your motivation and a short writing sample –

maybe soon your friends and followers will be reading your stories,discovering your top recommendations,or being surprised by your writing talent.

Reach people on a deeper level and share your thoughts in words –

right here on the Queer Blog of js.colourful.life.