National Coming Out Day

Since 1988, October 11 has been recognized as National Coming Out Day.  This date was chosen because it’s the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.  While there are many perspectives on the concept and process of coming out, many believe that it’s ultimately beneficial.  The Human Rights Campaign says “Coming out as LGBTQ+ STILL MATTERS. Our stories can be powerful for each other… We can change hearts and minds and create a lasting impact on our community.”

In recognition of this day, we’ve gathered a list of media recommendations from the BCCLS collection that explore the experience of coming out as LGBT+.

Books about coming out

1. The Family Outing by Jessi Hempel (print | digital ebook)
2. The Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman (print | digital ebooks)
3. The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams (print | large print | digital ebook | digital audiobook)
4. Gender Euphoria : Stories of Joy from Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Writers edited by Laura Kate Dale (print)
5. The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride by Hayli Thomson (print | digital ebook)

Movies about coming out

1. Love, Simon (DVD | Blu-ray)
2. Out Late (DVD)
3. Boulevard (DVD)
4. And then we danced (DVD)
5. C. R. A. Z. Y. (DVD)