The LGBT Network’s NCOD Campaign is a one-day campaign that engages communities to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBT people by “coming out” in support of safe spaces where they Live, Learn, Work, Play and Pray.

Ordinarily, people participate in the Campaign by wearing a rainbow ribbon, a symbol of LGBT Pride and history, as a way to visually “come out” in support of safe spaces for LGBT people.

The LGBT Network is running the National Coming Out Day campaign.

The LGBT Network is an association of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are a home and a voice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people of all ages, their families, and support networks of Long Island and Queens.

The LGBT Network is the only organization on Long Island wholly dedicated to serving the LGBT community.

Since 1993, The LGBT Network has been pioneering advocacy and change to promote safe spaces where LGBT people live, learn, work, play, and pray. Our work helps LGBT people to be themselves, stay healthy, and change the world

Learn more about the LGBT Network at www.LGBTNetwork.org.

The LGBT Network’s National Coming Out Day Campaign takes place on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Everyone can participate!

People participate in the campaign by “Wearing” the ribbon (#WearTheRibbon).  This means doing things that raise awareness about creating safe spaces for LGBT people.  With an all virtual Campaign this year, there are a number of ways people can participate:

1. First, sign up to register yourself, your school, or your institution as a participant.  We will send you a FREE National Coming Out Day campaign kit!
2. Sign the Safe Space Pledge.  The pledge provides tangible steps we can take in our day-to-day lives to create safer spaces.  Sign the Pledge and commit to taking these action steps not just on National Coming Out Day, but every day of the year! 
3. Request a free NCOD training to help you and/or your group learn more about the Campaign and identity ways to customize this year’s Campaign for your group. 
4. Become a volunteer and be a visible promoter of the Campaign, encouraging others to participate, and share updates and other Campaign promotions among your social networks. 
5. Make a donation to help support the Campaign.

Institutions participate in the campaign by organizing as a group to “Wear” the ribbon (#WearTheRibbon).  This means taking action to raise awareness about creating safe spaces for LGBT people.  There are a number of ways institutions can participate:

1. First, sign up to register your school, group, or other institution.  We will send you a FREE National Coming Out Day campaign kit.
2. Sign the Safe Space Pledge and make a plan for all members of your institution to do the same.  This year’s pledge is a Call to Action providing tangible steps we can take in our day-to-day lives to create safer spaces.  Sign the Pledge and commit to taking these action steps not just on National Coming Out Day, but every day of the year! 
3. You can request a free virtual NCOD training to help your group learn more about the Campaign and to identity potential events you can host and/or other ways to customize this year’s Campaign for your group. 

A “Safe Space” is an inclusive environment that affirms LGBT identities; supports LGBT people in living as their authentic selves fully, openly, and freely; and fosters the achievement of their full potential.

The LGBT Network’s Safe Space Program works to create safe, LGBT-affirming environments for LGBT people, their families, and support systems, beyond the walls of our community centers, in the places where LGBT people Live, Learn, Work, Play and Pray.

No!  We encourage participation by anyone and everyone.  It takes a village to create safe spaces for everyone, and allies, family, and friends are a critical part of this effort.

All of our Campaign materials are available for FREE.  Sign up and register here and we will send you a FREE campaign kit.

When we use the term “coming out” in the context of this Campaign, we are not referring to someone coming out as an LGBT person.  People participate in the Campaign by coming out in support of safe spaces – not about their LGBT identity.  Therefore, anyone can participate.

The rainbow is an international symbol of LGBT Pride and History.  Wearing the ribbon is a way to visually “come out” in support of safe spaces for LGBT people.

The Trans Pride Ribbon is an international symbol of Transgender Pride and History.  Wearing the ribbon is a way to visually “come out” in support of safe spaces for Transgender people.

An ‘ally’ is a term used to describe a person who is supportive of LGBT people.