"Talk About It" - National Coming Out Day Theme Revealed for October 11, 2007

The Human Rights Campaign announced the slogan for the 2007 'National Coming Out Day' commemoration. The theme "Talk About It" is part of the branding program of National Coming Out Day which the HRC instituted in 2005. The date marks twenty years since the 1987 March On Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights and the display of the AIDS quilt on the National Mall.

The long struggle for lesbian and gay rights has included several demonstrations in the United States capital, Washington, D.C. The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights occurred on October 14, 1979. The following year, the Human Rights Campaign was founded by Steve Endean as a political action committee to raise money to back gay-supportive candidates. The organization has adapted to changes in public attitude but remains focused on political action to expand and insure the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.

The second National March On Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights was held on October 11, 1987. A massive quilt commemorating the victims of the AIDS epidemic was unfurled across the National Mall. The following year, the first "National Coming Out Day" was observed on the anniversary of the march. National Coming Out Day is intended to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues within the general public.

On October 11, Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender are encouraged to display identifying symbols such as the rainbow flag or pink triangle as evidence of their numbers within all ages, ethnic groups, occupations and other facets of society. Straight friends and family of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders are also encouraged to show support for individuals "coming out" on October 11.