Calendar of Events
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October 11
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November 20
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February 4 at 11:30 AM
National Movements at The Stonewall Center
National Coming Out Day
Since 1988, National Coming Out Day has been celebrated on October 11th to support and celebrate those living life as an openly LGBTQIA2S+ person. Founded with the spirit of feminist and gay liberation movements in mind, people are encouraged to show pride in being an openly LGBTQIA2S+ person as a form of activism, raising awareness for the LGBTQIA2S+ rights movement.
Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.
-Robert Eichberg, Co-Founder of National Coming Out Day, 1993
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance started to honor the memory of Rita Hester, following her murder on November 28, 1998 in Boston, MA. A vigil was held the Friday following her murder to honor her, led by Rev. Irene Monroe, and about 250 community members attended. Transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith continued this tradition, honoring Rita Hester and all transgender people who had lost their lives to violence since Rita’s passing on November 20th, 1999. This began the tradition of Transgender Day of Remembrance, honored each year on November 20th.
