History of National Coming Out Day: 2001: An Out Odyssey
America was again reminded in 2001 that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are very much part of the fabric of our society. In July, one of the founders of the rock group Styx came out as a gay man living with HIV. Chicago-native Chuck Panozzo celebrated a special homecoming when he came out at the Human Rights Campaign annual Chicago dinner. Panozzo said he elected to go public to help make the world “a better place for the next generation,” and helped to educate GLBT and straight people by sharing his unique story as an NCOP spokesperson.
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| Chuck Panozzo, founding member and bass player of the rock group Styx, came out as a gay man living with HIV at HRC’s annual Chicago dinner July 28, 2001. |
Georgia State University celebrates Oct. 11 on campus with student leader James Warner; local HRC activist Julie Landis; Candace Gingrich; local HRC activist Christopher Skeen; and student leader Brittany Williamson.
Later that year, the events of Sept. 11 posthumously introduced America to such gay heroes as Mark Bingham and the Rev. Mychal Judge. The reality that many of the victims were gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender and had families also came to light as they struggled for recognition as survivors.
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| Georgia State University celebrates Oct. 11 on campus with student leader James Warner; local HRC activist Julie Landis; Candace Gingrich; local HRC activist Christopher Skeen; and student leader Brittany Williamson. |
National Coming Out Project manager Candace Gingrich celebrated Oct. 11 at Georgia State University in Atlanta where GSU Alliance leaders James Warner and Brittany Williamson worked with local HRC activists Julie Landis and Christopher Skeen to hold a rally and information fair on campus. Hundreds of GSU students and members of the local community gathered to hear speakers and learn more about activist opportunities in the Atlanta area. Immediately following the rally, the GSU LGBT Alliance hosted a reception for its members and faculty supporters. National Coming Out Project Manager Candace Gingrich had op-eds printed in numerous GLBT publications and websites. What’s Pride got to do with it? Was released in May and focused on the continuing need for GLBT pride celebrations. In recognition of National Coming Out Day, Gingrich wrote Coming Out: The Never-Ending Story. Finally, Gingrich and HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch wrote a year-end message entitled Resolutions for a Changed America.