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Recognizing National Coming Out Day on October 11th, 2024 in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is annual 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, On October 11th, 1987, thousands gathered for the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, making this a landmark event in LGBTQ+ civil rights history. The first National Coming Out Day was celebrated in 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 advance civil rights and equity; and
WHEREAS, Coming out is very personal and unique experience for each LGBTQ+ person, to accept and share their gender identity and sexual orientation with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. This is a very brave thing to do because everyone’s experience is very different; and
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is important because it honors the journey to self-discovery , the freedom of being true to oneself, and the courage behind coming out as LGBTQ+. 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, There have been over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced into state legislation across the nation within the last year, including 220 bills that are specifically targeting non-binary and transgender people; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia stands proudly with our LGBTQ+ community against violence, hate, and legislative attacks. Philadelphia has long been at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ protections and the major advancements in proactive LGBTQ+ executive action, legislation, and public and private funding for services locally and nationally; and
WHEREAS, This year on October 11th through 13th, Philadelphia celebrates National Coming Out Day with OURfest, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, resilience, and unity. OURfest is organized by Philly Pride 365, a program of Galaei. OURfest and Galaei advocates for a future of equality and justice for all, celebrate our community’s strength, and honors our shared history. The OURfest: National Coming Out Day Parade and Festival was established to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, foster a spirit of inclusivity and solidarity, and honor their diverse experiences; now, therefore, be it
WHEREAS, OURFest serves as a lighthouse celebrating personal journeys, resilience, and the radiance of diverse identities while also casting a spotlight on unity and pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby commemorates National Coming Out Day on October 11th, 2024 in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy will be presented to Philly Pride 365, a program of Galaei, representing this legislative body’s sincere support for and commemoration of National Coming Out Day.
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