Editor’s note:
Visit “The Out October Project” for the latest information on our project, and see all the stories here.
This year as we approach National Coming Out Day (NCOD) I’ve had a different feeling than in the past. Normally, I would let the day slide by and not really think about it. It’s never held a huge significance in my life. And I’ve always thought, why just one day out of the year? However, this year it hit me — the connection finally hit me — LGBT youth are three times as likely to attempt suicide. LGBT youth need role models. LGBT youth need hope.
So I decided to celebrate the whole month with stories from readers and people prominent in the LGBT community, as a way to bring hope to those in our community who are still in the closet, or struggling with the process of coming out. We all know it can be difficult and it’s a process that one has to do on one’s own time frame, but no one should have to do it alone.
Here is my call. I ask you to write down your story, or record it on video. Tell us how you felt about it, tell us how people reacted, tell us what it meant for and to you, and what time this took place, in your life and in society. We all know that during these times in our lives we’ve needed hope and encouragement. If you’re comfortable, we would love to have a head shot of you or a photo of you and your loved one.
For the 31 days of October I am going to post a story a day (maybe two if I have enough!) here at The New Civil Rights Movement, to highlight people, of all sexual orientations and identities, who have “Taken the next step.”
Please join us and help fight the hopelessness that some members of the LGBT community are feeling.
All stories should be submitted to newcivilrightsmovement@gmail.com by September 30, 2010. Attach your photo to the email, preferably in jpg format.
By the way, the official National Coming Out Day is October 11, 2010 for all of us here in the States, however if you are in the U.K., it is October 12, 2010.
Don’t put this off. It’s too important. Someone you don’t know needs your help.