Legal Research

October 11th is National Coming Out Day, an internationally observed day of awareness and pride for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.  The term "coming out" stands for coming out of the closet or coming out of hiding.  It refers to LGBT people revealing their sexual orientations to their families, coworkers, and the world.  It is a day for celebrating but it is also a day for reflection and discussion and increasing awareness of LGBT issues. 

National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 in celebration of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights which happened one year earlier on October 11, 1987.  On that day, an estimated 500,000 people marched in Washington, D.C. for LGBT equality.

Today in the United States, LGBT people can be fired from their jobs in 29 states due to their sexual orientation.  Six states have laws restricting adoption for LGBT people.  Only 5 states, and the District of Columbia have full marriage equality for same-sex couples.  Thus, these are issues that continue to be relevant to those interested in the law and its role in governing these issues.

Happy Coming out Day!