It all started in 1987, when nearly half a million people gathered in Washington D.C. for the National March For Lesbian and Gay Rights on Oct.11. Since then, millions of people have come together on that very same day to celebrate the LGBTQ community and the strength behind opening up about sexuality.

This year will be the 32nd anniversary of National Coming Out Day. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) who works to ensure that with this day people are reminded of powerful coming out can be. According to their studies, “one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.”

Factors that typically keep individualities from coming out are homophobia and insecurity, therefore influencing some people to refrain from expressing their sexual preferences. But when individuals are given the opportunity to come out safely, then they may be able to embrace who they are freely and reduce mental stress.

By honoring this day, homosexuality is given the opportunity to thrive publicly instead of living in the shadows of society.

HRC emphasizes that because every coming out experience is different for each person, it is important to remain respectful to every individual’s unique decision on navigating their choice to live openly.

Central Connecticut’s LGBT Center will be celebrating National Coming Out Day with Rainbow Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in Alumni Hall. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the LGBT Center page on the CCSU website.