The Los Angeles City Council is set to declare October 11th ‘National Coming Out Day’ in the City of Los Angeles, making the California city the first major US city to officially recognize the holiday. In partnership with LA-based non-profit, BabyGay, and local LGBTQ+ landmark, The Black Cat, Councilmember Nithya Raman will host a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11 to officially mark the city holiday.  

‘National Coming Out Day’ was first inaugurated in 1988 by LGBTQ+ activists Jean O’Leary and Robert Eichberg, who believed that homophobia thrives in silence and ignorance. For the last 36 years, the day has been observed annually and serves as a celebration of coming out to loved ones as well as a campaign to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ civil rights issues still prevalent across the country. 

As of this month, a record 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state houses around the U.S., more than in the last five years combined. In the face of these harmful actions - including LGBTQ+ erasure bills that strip away legal protections and rights - the City of Los Angeles will reaffirm its commitment to fully recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring people feel seen and safe no matter who they choose to love. 

The Los Angeles City Council will vote to adopt a resolution declaring the city holiday with a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11th at 10am, and is thrilled to do so with two important partners, The Black Cat and BabyGay. 

The Black Cat first opened its doors in October of 1966 to cater to a gay clientele at a time when same sex relations were criminalized in California. Just two months later, the venue was targeted in the notorious 1967 New Year’s Eve police raid that exposed brutal violence against patrons and widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.  In the wake of these unjust events, hundreds congregated in protest outside the venue, marking The Black Cat as a rallying point for activism. This pivotal establishment, predating Stonewall, remains a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2022, was designated by the state of California as a Historical Landmark. 

BabyGay, founded in 2023 by PJ Brescia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a queer and ally community that celebrates the coming out process through storytelling and community building. Since its launch at the LA LGBT Center, BabyGay has evolved into a larger platform, partnering with organizations like the LA City Council, The Black Cat, and the AT Center to create impactful events. The organization has also participated in numerous Pride Festivals, including LA Pride, SD Pride, SaMo Pride, Venice Pride, and more, amplifying queer voices and creating spaces for connection and celebration.

At the heart of BabyGay's mission is the belief that while coming out is tough, it doesn't need to be so lonely. The organization curates community events featuring performances from queer artists, storytellers, and comedians, all aimed at helping newly out individuals, or "BabyGays," find acceptance and healing through levity and shared experiences. One of BabyGay's most innovative initiatives is the Welcome-Wagon Box, an essential kit for those just coming out, which includes handwritten postcards of support from community members. Through these efforts, BabyGay continues to provide vital support and connection for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout their coming out journey and beyond.