History of National Coming Out Day: 1999: Coming Out on Paper
In 1999, HRC asked people to flex their political muscle and "Come Out to Congress." "Too often, elected officials find it easy to overlook constituencies that are inactive, voiceless or invisible," says Candace Gingrich. "As GLBT and fair-minded people, it is in our best interest to make our presence known and to hold Congress accountable."
Each NCOD kit sent out included pens, paper, envelopes and a sample letter to Congress in addition to the regular kit items HRC asked people to gather as many letters as possible. The effort was a success. Nearly 2,000 letters were written to U.S. senators and Congress members from all across the country, reminding them of their GLBT constituents and their duty to represent everyone.