Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride.

SAN ANTONIO – Michael Alvarez was disappointed when he learned San Antonio ISD recommended its principals not promote National Coming Out Day. Alvarez graduated from Burbank High School in 2019 and is now a sophomore at UT Austin. Alvarez struggled throughout high school but eventually found the courage to come out to his family when he went to college. He described high school as a pivotal time, especially for LGBTQ students, and he hopes the district will recognize that. RELATED: ‘Our rights are at risk’: Texas rule allowing social workers to turn away LGBTQ+ clients, people with disabilities draws criticism

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride. National Coming Out Day has been celebrated for 32 years now, and it’s an important reminder on just how far the queer community has come since earlier times. There was an entire generation of LGBTQ Americans who had live inside the closet because of laws and discrimination. So if you’re proud to be out and want it to shout it from the rooftops, tell us about it below! If you have advice for people still in the closet struggling with their identity, maybe offer some advice, and tell us how your life has improved since coming out.