WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11, marking a day of celebration that raises awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their authentic selves, and to further the fight for LGBTQ+ rights; and
WHEREAS, The first National Coming Out Day was celebrated in October 11, 1988, to coincide with the first anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, and was established to promote a safe world for LGBTQIA+ individuals to live truthfully and openly, and to foster visibility, understanding, and acceptance of and within the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, The movement for LGBTQ+ liberation has righteous and deep history in the City of Philadelphia, led by revolutionary leaders who have demonstrated their power within organizing movements for advancing civil rights and equity; and
WHEREAS, Coming out is a very personal and courageous act for each LGBTQ+ person and this day is important as it honors the journey to self-discovery and the freedom of being true to oneself. This day of celebration is filled with empowerment, encouragement, visibility, and support; and
WHEREAS, At the same time, National Coming Out Day is a call to action that the fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ Philadelphians is ongoing because of persistent inequities for LGBTQ+ people and communities. This includes access to quality and affordable housing, fair treatment in the criminal justice system, education, mental and physical health care and public health, and discrimination in employment; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia stands proudly with our LGBTQ+ community against violence, hate, and legislative attacks. Philadelphia has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ protections and the major advancements in proactive LGBTQ+ executive action, legislation, and public and private funding for services locally and nationally; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2026, in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mayor Erica Deuso of Downingtown, PA as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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