Unlock the Power of Authenticity: 7 Tips for National Coming Out Day!
October 11th is National Coming Out Day! This day provides an opportunity to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community as they embrace their authentic selves. In the workplace, this day holds strong significance as it fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment. Recognizing National Coming Out Day is not only a gesture of solidarity, but also a commitment to diversity, respect, inclusion, belonging, and equality.
My Coming Out Story
When I came out as an LGBTQ+ business owner in 2021, I was nervous! I started out in January of that year contacting clients and friends in leadership positions who are also LGBTQ+ or allies. Coming out as a business has had some similarities to coming out as a person. At times, there continues to be a feeling of nervousness or uncertainty when I add to my LGBTQ+ service marketing through social media posts, blogs, and newsletters. When my business began being public with being an LGBTQ+ company, it was just sending simple emails to people I knew.
As I became more comfortable, I felt a webpage specific to LGBTQ+ solutions and coaching was important to add. For a few months, I didn't even publicly share this webpage nor could people really find it unless I emailed them a link to it. As I became more comfortable and felt more supported, I started writing LGBTQ+-specific blogs, and I also built an entire section of my website to focus on these services specifically.
By the end of 2021, I was selected to speak at the 2021 Out & Equal Workplace Summit on Sustaining LGBTQ+ Success with Optimism, Resilience, and Grit. Out & Equal is the largest global LGBTQ+ workplace conference! By the end of 2021, Sarah Scala Consulting also became certified as an LGBTQ+ certified business enterprise through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. (See our press release).
7 Tips for Embracing Authenticity: Celebrating National Coming Out Day
1. Raise Awareness: Start by raising awareness about National Coming Out Day through company-wide communications. Share the history and purpose of the day, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and respect for LGBTQ+ employees. Providing educational resources, such as articles, videos, or documentaries, helps increase understanding among your workforce.
2. Organize Workshops, Panels, and Events: Pride events such as parades, marches, festivals, and other celebrations are a great way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and connect with other allies.
3. Wear Your Colors: Encourage employees to wear LGBTQ+ pride colors or symbols to work on National Coming Out Day. Whether it's a small rainbow pin or a more elaborate display, this visible show of support can create a sense of unity and inclusivity. Make it clear that participation is voluntary, and emphasize that allies are equally welcome to join.
4. Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices: Utilize your company's internal communication channels to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Sharing personal stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals can help to raise awareness and promote understanding.
5. Use Inclusive Language: Use gender-neutral pronouns and avoid assumptions about people's sexual orientation or gender identity. This shows respect for individuals and helps to create an inclusive environment.
5. Support LGBTQ+ Charities: Consider partnering with LGBTQ+ charities or nonprofits for National Coming Out Day. Support organizations that provide resources and support to LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Examples Include: Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, PFLAG, ACLU, GLAAD, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Out & Equal
6. Support LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses: Support businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals by selecting them for your supplier diversity programs, shopping at their stores, using their services, or recommending them to others. Look for LGBT Certified Business Enterprises through the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
7. Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights: Advocate for policies and laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as anti-discrimination laws and equal marriage rights. Consider LGBTQ+ rights in your political support and lobbying efforts
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By actively celebrating National Coming Out Day, you're not only honoring the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals but also sending a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance. Celebrating diversity isn't limited to one day; it's an ongoing effort to create an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and respected for who they are.
Sarah Scala Consulting has supported many organizations as an LGBTQ+ speaker, facilitator, coach, and consultant. This has included supporting the creation of DEIB councils/committees, advising on policy and facility changes, educating leaders and employees, and speaking at Pride and Coming Out Day events. Learn more on our LGBTQ+ Solutions page.
““Our final Pride Month event at ManpowerGroup was a fantastic leaders panel sponsored by Elevate, our Business Resource Group dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ employees and allies. We were very fortunate to partnered with @Sarah A. Scala who facilitated a quick workshop on orientation, pronouns, and challenges for LGBTQ+ employees, in addition to moderating an engaging panel of diverse employees and allies. Her energy and enthusiasm were appreciated by over 100 participants from across North America! Many thanks Sarah!””
Questions About Supporting National Coming Out Day? Leave a comment. Want to connect with interest in partnering on your National Coming Out Day programs? Contact me.
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Sources:
Human Rights Campaign. (2023). National Coming Out Day. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.org/resources/national-coming-out-day
Diversity Best Practices. (2023). National Coming Out Day. Retrieved from https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/national-coming-out-day
Forbes. (2022). Celebrating National Coming Out Day in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/10/06/celebrating-national-coming-out-day-in-the-workplace/?sh=2a1b58b72124
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2021). Celebrating National Coming Out Day at Work. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/celebrating-national-coming-out-day-at-work.aspx
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting the performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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