October 11 is National Coming Out Day – a day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to celebrate who they are.

Advocates for Youth works with many young people who identify as LGBT, and their bravery and leadership inspires us and guides our work. Here’s what they have to say about coming out:

Coming out shows others it is possible to come out, and be proud of who you are. It inspires others to be themselves or even feel a little better even if they aren't ready to come out. – Brentt, 17

Being out gives me a sense of self. Whether or not people agree with my sexual orientation no longer matters to me; I know who I am and who I want to love. – Ellie, 21

There's immense strength in vulnerability, and I honor the legacy of fierce femmes of color before me by living out and proud. - Nefertiti, 21

Everyone should love who they are and be proud of it. Coming out is about accepting who we are, no matter what that means. – Diane, 21

The closet is a lonely place, and outside of it there is a whole world of people ready to love you without apology. – Karlee, 21

By being out, I am voicing my support for myself and other LGTBQIA individuals. Being openly out, even if only a little bit, creates change around me.
-Rikki, 23

On National Coming Out Day, we honor LGBT young people around the United States and the world. Brentt, Ellie, Nefertiti, Diane, Karlee, Rikki, and many other LGBT youth activists are helping to create a society where all people can speak the truth about who they are and be celebrated. We hope you will join them by celebrating the LGBT youth in your life.