Today, is the 22nd annual National Coming Out Day. It is observed by members of the LGBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, and transgender) communities, as well as their supporters. It has been observed every year on October 11th in the US and October 12th in the UK since 1988.

This year, the holiday is getting some extra attention after 6 homosexual young men took their own lives due to inappropriate harassment. A Rutgers University Student by the name of Tyler Clementi jumped off the George Washington bridge after his roommate videotaped him having sexual relations with another male. 5 other young men took their lives as well, recently after verbal and social abuse did not ease up.

National Coming Out Day supporters urge all people to “take their next step” and live openly. If you are still “in the closet” with your sexuality, perhaps today is the day to start living “openly”.