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SEARCH 2SLGBTQ+ 101 What is National Coming Out Day? By the CBC Kids team September 21, 2022 | Last Updated April 26, 2024 (©scheeler/123 RF)

October 11th has been recognized as National Coming Out Day since 1988 in the United States. Now — over 30 years later — other countries, including Canada, have started to celebrate this day to bring awareness to this sometimes scary, stressful, but important time for 2SLGBTQ+ people.

What is 'coming out?'

The term is short for coming out of the closet because often people who are 2SLGBTQ+ feel like they are hiding who they truly are. Coming out is when a person acknowledges their identity (gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, transgender or queer) by sharing it with the people they trust and care about.

(@VisualsOfLife/Twenty20)

Why is it important?

There are many reasons why coming out is important — both for those coming out and those learning of a loved one’s identity.

There are queer superheroes too! Read about 10 2SLGBTQ+ comic book characters and why they're awesome.

Hiding who you truly are can feel like carrying a heavy weight around. Coming out is a way to release that heavy burden. And because there are still people who don't like or accept people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, it takes courage and strength to say, “This is who I am, and I am proud to be me!”

(Ted Eytan/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Coming out is equally important for friends and family who learn of their loved one’s identity so they can be there for support.

Check out some of the flags that 2SLGBTQ+ people connect with.

More cool posts!

2SLGBTQ+ 101 Do you know what the letters 2SLGBTQ+ mean? 2SLGBTQ+ 101 Do you know your 2SLGBTQ+ flags? 2SLGBTQ+ 101 They, them, their — why some people use these pronouns instead of he or she close this modal

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