National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11 in the U.S. by members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community and its allies.
The day commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington for gay and lesbian equality. National Coming Out Day events are aimed at raising awareness of GLBT people among the general populace in an effort to give a familiar face to the gay rights movement.
Candice Gingrich became the spokesperson for the day in April 1995.
For an explanation of "coming out" and related terms, see The Closet.
External link