This year on October 11, 2017, it will mark the 29th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. This day celebrates anybody in the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Whether you’re queer, bisexual, gender-fluid, or an ally -- this day is for all of you.

In honor of this day, I would like to commend each and every one of you for your pride and bravery. Every day another person comes out in the toxic environment, another person fights for equality to help make the world an area where individuals can live truthfully and openly.

That being said, for this day, I’d like to share a few facts all about LGBT life in America, Pride, and National Coming Out Day:

1. 42% of people who are LGBT report living in an unwelcoming environment.
2. In 2013, 92% of adults who are LGBT said they believe society had become more accepting of them than in the past 10 years.
3. Only two U.S. presidents have formally acknowledged Pride month (Obama and Bill Clinton)
   
4. The date of October 11 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
5. National Coming Out Day is also observed in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

And to anyone who’s still struggling to come out -- only do so when you feel most comfortable and ready. Being out and proud is an amazing feeling but know, you’re never alone and you should celebrate who you are. It’s something to be proud of.

For anyone who needs someone to talk to, all hotlines below are great resources.

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available)

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564

Happy National Coming Out Day!