Mayor Issues Proclamation for National Coming Out Day

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino proclaimed Oct. 11, 2021 National Coming Out Day in the County of Maui.  The proclamation raises awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and coincides with the annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender History Month. 

The document strives to eradicate prejudice, discrimination, bigotry and hate, and seeks to reflect on ways to live and work together with a commitment of mutal respect and understanding.  

According to the proclamation, National Coming Out Day celebrates and acknowledges individuals who have chosen to come out to those around them, to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and create an environment where living openly and honestly is possible.

The proclamation states: “National Coming Out Day grew out of the desire to honor the invaluable contributions of those individuals both involved and remembered in the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which helped to establish Lesbian and Gay rights as an issue important, not merely to those involved in the LGBTQ+ community, but to us all.”

The document further states that the day “highlights the fact that we as a people have made great strides recognizing that what we all know in our hearts – that love is love and that no person should be judged by any other measure but the content of their character.”

“National Coming Out Day reminds us that all people regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, or physical challenges have the right to be treated fairly and on the basis of their intrinsic value as a human being and to experience equality and freedom from discrimination,” according to the proclamation.

Mayor Victorino said, “We should be able to be what we want to be, and live the way we all want to be.”