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National Coming out Day ... Or Why Do You Have to Come out Anyway?

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National Coming out Day ... Or Why Do You Have to Come out Anyway? National Coming Out Day ... or why do you have to come out anyway? History of National Coming Out Day On October 11, 1987, more than 200,000 people marched on Washington in support of money for AIDS research and for the equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. No one had ever seen so many LGBT people and allies congregating in one place. For a minority whose very survival was based on its ability to pass undetected, the March on Washington brought a sense of community and empowerment. The march inspired Angelinos Robert Eichenberg and Jean O’Leary to dream of a safe world for LGBT people. They wanted to keep the momentum of the March on Washington alive and believed that if the public realized how many LGBT people were already in their lives as family members, friends and colleagues, that prejudice would disappear. One year later, they designated October 11 as the first National Coming Out Day. Their idea was simple – tell one person that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Times have changed Civil rights can be measured by the distance achieved or by the distance remaining. Twenty‐five years ago, if asked, “How many of you know someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?” then maybe one or two hands would hesitantly go up. Today, LGBT students and staff can openly attend school. Students can bring their same‐sex date to prom. They can wear jewelry, t‐shirts, buttons, and stickers that support LGBT concerns. Because of the FAIR Education Act, the next editions of social studies books will recognize the contributions of LGBT Americans. Because of the recent Supreme Court ruling, Californians can marry their same‐sex partner. Because of the School Success and Opportunity Act, transgender students can attend school as their gender of identity regardless of their birth sex. The Los Angeles Unified School District leads the way as a district of firsts. In 1984, teacher Virginia Uribe of Fairfax High School started Project 10 as a way to support LGBT students in 1984. LAUSD has had LGBT affirming policies since 1988. Our policies and textbooks are held up as the gold standard. Superintendents from districts across the country seek our advice and guidance. One would think that Eichenberg and O’Leary’s dream has been achieved. Are we there yet? Despite all the progress, prejudice still exists. LGBT‐biased bullying is the most prevalent form of bullying on school campuses1. Family rejection is at the root of 1 www.aauw.org the higher rates of LGBT‐related suicides, homelessness, substance abuse, and depression2. Only 15 countries and 13 states in the U.S. allow same‐sex marriage. Los Angeles has more than 2,000 LGBT youth who are homeless because home was an unsafe place. In Russia, even discussing LGBT concerns can be grounds for imprisonment. In Uganda, it can be the death penalty. Education and visibility continue to be the most powerful and effective tools to end prejudice. Historically, it has been the burden of the minorities to advocate for themselves. But the true measure of justice is how we advocate for the other. By coming out as friends, allies, and family members, we tell the 50,000 Californian same‐sex parents3, who are dropping their children off at school, that we honor their trust. We tell the 10.7% of LAUSD students who described themselves as “not heterosexual” in the last Youth Risk Behavior Survey, that we are a safe place. They are all our children This is the 25th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. October is also LGBT History Month, Bully Prevention Month, and Ally Week. L.A. Unified is taking a concerted effort to celebrate our successes by reaffirming our commitment to safe schools for LGBT students, families, and staff. The District, L.A. School Police, AALA, UTLA, and SEIU are joining with the LA Gay & Lesbian Center and various community organizations to celebrate the silver anniversary of National Coming Out Day and declare ourselves as safe space ambassadors. This campaign is intended to complement, not supplant, any Coming Out activities for LGBTQ students, staff, and families. Showing your support Every school will receive a limited number of badges with the slogan, “OUT for Safe Schools.” These badges will be offered to staff, who wish to be known as a resource for students, staff and families to discuss LGBT concerns. The badges will have a handy list of district and community resources. We anticipate that every school has administrators, coaches, counselors, teachers, cafeteria workers, clerical, and security personnel, who are willing to be a visible sign of support. L.A. Unified has a wealth of resources. Human Relations, Diversity & Equity (http://humanrelations.lausd.net) and Health Education (http://www.aidspreventionlausd.net) both have excellent resources on their websites. Project 10 is housed in the Office of Educational Equity Compliance. These offices can answer questions and provide materials, trainings, and resources. 2 http://familyproject.sfsu.edu 3 http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu The staff of the District , AALA, UTLA, and SEIU invite you join us as we “come out” in support of safe schools for our students and families. Judy Chiasson [email protected] 213‐241‐5626 September 2013 .
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