Updated as of Oct. 11 at 9:43 p.m. to include video.
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day.
First observed in 1998, the day commemorates the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
For Associate Director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center Becca Bishopric Patterson, the day is one to highlight diverse identities.
Bishopric Patterson said there was a silence surrounding identity and coming out for a long period in history, so this day is an opportunity to form and celebrate community.
“National Coming Out Day is our annual holiday to celebrate, coming out and being proud in your identity.” Bishopric Patterson said. “So it's important because for so long, so many folks were not able to be their authentic selves in public”
Bishopric Patterson added that today can serve as a day to celebrate all the diversity in gender identities and sexual orientations.
“At the Gender & LGBTQIA center, we have lots of resources and are connected with a lot of different organizations depending on folks interests, or where they want to be in the community,” Bishopric Patterson said.
Resource and event information is available on the GLC’s website.