This Saturday (the 11th of October) is International Coming Out Day! To celebrate this, we wanted to highlight the importance of such celebrations. 

1. What is International Coming Out Day (ICOD)?

ICOD began in the United States of America back in 1988 as the National Coming Out Day on the 11th of October. It is the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. 

The day was co-founded by Dr Robert Eichberg (a psychologist and founder of a personal growth workshop) and Jean O’Leary (a prominent gay political leader) to highlight the powerful act of coming out as a form of activism and to combat homophobia. In the first year, 18 states participated in celebrating and by 1990, all 50 states celebrated this day. Eventually, it was also recognised internationally. 

2. What was the purpose of the day?

We celebrate Coming Out Day to highlight the courage it takes for people to live openly as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, while also raising awareness to the issues and challenges faced in the community.

3. Why does coming out still matter?

Coming out is a powerful act of self-expression, challenging stereotypes, and helping others see that the LGBTQIA+ community is everywhere, and not a mythical occurrence. For many people, university is the first opportunity they have to explore their identity more openly, away from the environments in which they grew up.

4. University is a place of discovery 

Uni is the place for self-discovery and growth. It is also a place for new beginnings. Here, you can meet new people from diverse backgrounds, join associations, and more. For many LGBTQIA+ students and staff, it can also be a time to find their chosen family, safe spaces, and supportive peers.

5. What does it mean to the University of Groningen and its Community? 

Being an Ally 

ICOD is not only a day for those who are coming out, but it is for everyone. Even if you are not part of the community, you can still show your allyship and support in many different ways! For example, you could: 

• Attend LGBTQIA+ events or awareness campaigns 

• Use inclusive language and respect people’s pronouns 

• Be comfortable calling out casual homophobia when you see it

6. A reminder that coming out is personal 

Even though Groningen and the UG are accepting and welcoming to everyone, not everyone feels safe to come out, and this is okay. Each person’s journey is unique. However, what matters most is building a campus culture where students and staff don’t feel they have to hide who they are! 

Don’t forget, not only are students part of the LGBTQIA+ community, but there are also staff members at different levels of management, and across different departments of the University.