October 11, 2023 is National Coming Out Day!

You and all state employees are invited—whether straight or queer or cis or trans—to attend a Coming Out Day panel conversation on October 11, from noon to 1 p.m., hosted by MNclusive, the statewide LGBTQIA+ employee resource group.

The Human Rights Campaign writes this about “coming out”:

“Coming Out” has been the common term for someone who acknowledges being LGBTQ+[.] However, it is important to note that this language centers the persons we are coming out to rather than us. It gives the impression that people who don’t identify as cisgender or heterosexual are hiding something from society, rather than acknowledging how homophobia and transphobia create an unwelcoming environment. When publicly identifying as LGBTQ+, you are inviting people into a part of your life that should be protected and celebrated. You are not asking for permission to be you. You control the narrative, as well as who and what you allow into your life.

Panel participants are state employees who have agreed to share their stories, experiences, and thoughts related to coming out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us as we make space for protection and celebration of being ourselves, talk about the challenges and joys of coming out in our own lives and the importance of making room for others to do so.

MNclusive Speakers Bureau

MNclusive can connect agencies with state employees who have agreed to speak to agencies or departments about LGBTQIA+ issues. The Coming Out Day panelists are among those who have agreed to offer their expertise and knowledge to their fellow state employees. Please reach out to ERG.MNclusive@state.mn.us if you would like to learn more or arrange for a presentation within your agency.

Access Requests

To request an ASL interpreter or CART for this meeting, or for any other access request, please email erg.mnclusive@state.mn.us ASAP, the deadline to request is 10/2/2023. We will do our best to accommodate such a request up receipt though we cannot guarantee it.

When: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 12:00 PM-1:00 PM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).

Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting. Email ERG.MNclusive@state.mn.us for a meeting link.