National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is celebrated on 11 October every year to support LGBTQIA+ people to ‘come out of the closet’.
‘Coming out’ is the act of being open about oneself and one’s identity and the date also highlights the importance of allyship and safe environments in supporting this.
Coming out is not necessarily a one-time event and LGBTQIA+ people often have to come out many times; when starting a new job or when introducing or discussing a partner for example. Some LGBTQIA+ people might decide they don’t want to be ‘out’ in every context and that is a valid decision. There is not a single, definitive way to come out and it is important that you do what is right for you.
At Queen Mary we want to create an inclusive environment where LGBTQIA+ staff and students are celebrated; where everyone can be themselves and be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
QM LGBT+ Society provides a safe space for all members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community at Queen Mary and LGBT+ Society (Whitechapel) is a welcoming and supportive environment for all LGBT+ (and unsure!) medics, dentists, and other students studying at Barts and The London.