National Coming Out Day Date in the current year: October 11, 2024

The term coming out (coming out of the closed) refers to the self-disclosure of one's sexual orientation (or lack of) and/or gender identity. It is applied to the members of LGBTQ+ community as heterosexual and cisgender people do not have to hide their sexual orientation and gender identity.

NCOD was founded in 1988 by Jean O'Leary and Robert Eichberg. They chose the date of October 11 because on October 11, 1987 the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights took place. The first NCOD was observed by 11 states. In its second year participation increased to 21 states. In 1990 NCOD merged the efforts with the Human Rights Campaign and was observed in all states and 7 other countries.

NCOD is designed to raise awareness of the LGBT civil rights movement and to celebrate coming out and living open and honest lives. On this day, parades, rallies, and other events and activities are organized. Participants (both LQBTQ+ individuals and straight allies) wear LGBT symbols such as rainbow flags and freedom rings.