Los Angeles made a significant move by officially recognising October 11 as a National Coming Out Day, after Philadelphia in celebration of this important occasion.
The date becomes significant as it commemorates the anniversary of the second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place in 1987 amid the early days of the AIDS crisis, as quoted by ABC News.
This day aims to foster a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, where all individuals can openly express their true identities without any fear of judgment.
The proclamation comes after anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is on the rise across the United States, with the ACLU reporting over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures for the 2024 session.
“Even in California, often viewed as a progressive state, we’re seeing concerning incidents of anti-gay and anti-trans rhetoric,” said Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman.
“It’s vital that we create spaces where everyone feels safe and accepted,” she added.
National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 by activists Jean O’Leary and Robert Eichberg. Los Angeles has played a key role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, notably with the opening of The Black Cat, a gay bar, in 1966. This happened during the time when same-sex relationships were still illegal in California.
The bar became the site of a violent police raid on New Year’s Eve that sparked protests against anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination.
Today, the Black Cat stands as a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.