Sock Out Bias on National Coming Out Day Oct. 11

Show your support for LGBTQ+ people by wearing rainbow socks on National Coming Out Day Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Penn State Health’s National Coming Out Day theme is “Sock Out Bias,” aiming to recognize and combat bias against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and employees.

“National Coming Out Day provides an opportunity for everyone to show support for eliminating bias against their LGBTQ+ family members and colleagues,” said Lynette Chappell-Williams, Penn State Health’s vice president and chief diversity officer. “By wearing rainbow socks on Oct. 11, people become allies with a part of our community that continues to experience challenges, including discrimination and health disparities.”

In its 2023 Accelerating Acceptance Report, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) found that non-LGBTQ Americans overwhelmingly agree LGBTQ people should be free to live their lives without discrimination. However, the majority of LGBTQ people continue to experience discrimination. The report also said that 96% of non-LGBTQ Americans believe schools should be safe and accepting places for all youth, and children should be taught to appreciate and accept people as they are.

Observed in the U.S. and countries around the world, Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and its civil rights movement. Oct. 11 marks the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

People looking for more ways to support their LGBTQ family members and colleagues can:

• Watch the webinar “Ally to Accomplice – Supporting Sexual and Gender Diverse Communities” by Sonya Wilmoth.
• Learn more from GLAAD’s 2023 Accelerating Acceptance Report.

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