Happy National Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day. If there is someone in your life dealing with the struggle that is coming out to friends, family, and coworkers as an LGBT person, give them some love and support today.

Here are some coming out resources that may be a help to them or you:

• HRC, the Human Rights Campaign
• GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
• PFLAG, Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – a great resource if you’re a straight ally looking for ways to be supportive.

Share with them the stories of those in the American soccer community who have come out since last year’s National Coming Out Day:

November 2011: David Testo, former Columbus Crew and Montreal Impact midfielder

July 2012: Megan Rapinoe, USWNT and Seattle Sounders midfielder:

I guess it seems like a weight off my shoulders,” Rapinoe said on the eve of Thursday’s gold medal match against Japan, “because I’ve been playing a lot better than I’ve ever played before. I think I’m just enjoying myself and I’m happy.

August 2012: Stephen Bickford, former University of North Carolina striker:

I write this now in hopes that it can inspire change within the game, even if it’s only the slightest bit. We need to practice tolerance while striving for acceptance to rid the game of hatred.

September 2012: Lori Lindsey, USWNT and Western New York Flash midfielder:

I’ve always thought it was important to be proud of who I am; my mom taught me that. She’s my role model and my hero.

Happy Coming Out Day to all our heroes, and to everyone.