National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11th.
First celebrated in 1988, this day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, honour the courage it can take to share one’s identity, and foster a culture of authenticity, acceptance, and belonging.
Coming out is a deeply personal journey, and every experience is different. For some, sharing their gender identity or sexual orientation can be an important and affirming milestone. For others, it may take time to feel safe and ready. Everyone deserves the freedom to navigate their journey in their own way, on their own terms.
When a student chooses to share their identity with you, a caring and supportive response can make a meaningful difference.
Here are a few ways to show your support:
- Thank them for sharing and trusting you.
- Listen and give them space to share at their own pace.
- Respect their privacy and don’t share their information without permission.
- Offer support and connect them with trusted adults and school resources, including SOGI supports, when appropriate.
Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are. At qathet School District, we are committed to creating school communities where everyone feels safe to be themselves and knows they belong.
Click here to read more about how you can support youth coming out.
Additional Resources
2SLGBTQI Terms and Definitions
Affirming and Inclusive Language