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It’s National Coming Out Day, and today we honor the brave men and women of the LGBTQ community who are unapologetically living in their truth.
According to Human Rights Campaign.com, one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10. That’s why the act of coming out still plays an integral role in the grand scheme of humanity. As HRC put it, When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law.
Luckily these days, there are larger corporations and platforms that support the gay community and make it more comfortable for folks to come out and share their stories. Like Facebook, who unveiled a new update Wednesday to its “Major Life Event” product. Now, Facebook users can select “Came Out” and share their own story.
Tudor Havriliuc, a vice president at Facebook, told NBC News, “For the LGBTQ community, Facebook is a way for you to come out, celebrate your pride and find support. Visibility is so important because it changes hearts and minds about being LGBTQ when friends and family see us living our true lives.”
He added, “We’re excited to give more people the opportunity to ‘come out’ on Facebook. For National Coming Out Day, we hope people will share their coming out story and use the hashtag #ComingOutToShare to follow along with the wider community.”
But the love and support doesn’t end there. In honor of NCOD, the city of Philadelphia is offering free weddings and LGBTQ couples are invited to be married or renew their vows in City Hall. It was originally scheduled to take place at the iconic LOVE sculpture at LOVE Park, but was moved due to the weather.
Today we honor love, truth, and authenticity. Check out these artists that are out and proud.
1. Azealia Banks
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AB doesn’t do labels and considers her sexuality to be fluid and none of your business.
2. Taylor Bennett
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Taylor identifies as Bi.
3. Frank Ocean
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Frank says he doesn’t like to label his sexuality, adding, “I’ll respectfully say that life is dynamic and comes along with dynamic experiences.”
4. ILoveMakonnen
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Makonnen identifies as gay.
5. Angel Haze
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Haze, who once dated Alec Baldwin’s daughter, Ireland, identifies as gay.
6. Cakes Da Killa
The Jersey native identifies as gay.
7. Young M.A.
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M.A. identifies as gay.
8. Kehlani
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Kehlani identifies as bisexual.
9. Mykki Blanco
Blanco identifies as trans-feminine.
10. Brock Hampton
Kevin from the boyband “Brockhampton” identifies as gay — but the other members have yet to officially confirm their sexuality.
11. Kamaiyah
The Oakland native identifies as bisexual.
