Come out Come out Whoever you are.

This upcoming October 11th. will be National Coming Out Day. NCOD was created in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, a Psychologist from New Mexico, and Jean O'Leary, an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles. This date was selected for it is the anniversary date of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This is a time when people from all walks of life can be proud of themselves and of who they are.
Participants are encouraged to wear Pride Symbols such as Pink Triangle {Gay Men}, Black Triangle {Lesbian}, and rainbow style jewelry and clothing. Noting that the first two are taken from the Nazi Concentration camps. As to show that it doesn't bother anymore.
All 50 states observe this annual event as do 9 countries. Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Croatia, Poland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

But here's the thing, too many people, kids exspecially, are being forced deeper into the closet these days. Deeper for fear of being taunted and bullied. So, my challenge to you on this day is......If you know of someone that wants to come out to their parents and peers but is really afraid, be there for them. Join with them. Support them. Never ever turn away from them. If you suspect someone is contemplating harm to themselves because they are bullied. At home or school. Be there for them.

I'm going to give you one tool that will help you in this matter. There is a group out there Known as the Trevor Project. This Project was started by writer James Lecesne, director Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone.
Trevor is a short film about a 13 year old boy, who, after discovering all his peers and family rejected him, tries to commit suicide.
The group discoverd that there were no helplines or places for LGBT kids to go in time of need. Thus, Trevor Project was born.
For immediate help...1-866-4-U-Trevor.
There is a Youtube project called It Gets Better {Itgetsbetter.org}
The new one, and my personal favorite right now, a new project called Trevor Talk to Me {Trevortalktome.org}. If you know of anyone or suspect anyone wishing to do harm to themselves....3 words..Talk to me.  that's it...just..talk to me. Talk to me.
So as we celebrate National Coming Out Day, lets be aware of our younger brothers and sisters. We know from experience how they must be feeling. And these days? It's a whole hell of a lot worse on them.

So...Talk to me. It's ok. Just talk to me. Please?