International super model Andreja Pejic has launched the #Everybodycomeout social media campaign. In July, Andreja came out as her authentic self to the world when she announced that she is transgender. Now, in honor of National Coming Out Day, she is inviting you to share your story, too.
"Let's all stand together in truth," says Everybodycomeout.com, the site hosting the campaign, which was created my Ahmer Kalam and Malaika Danovitz Sinti. Using a tool on the website, people can tell their stories in 100 characters or less, contributing to a "truth artwork" to be shared through social networks.
National Coming Out Day takes place on October 11, just days before Spirit Day, October 16. Each year on Spirit Day, millions go purple in support of youth everywhere to take a stand against anti-LGBT bullying. According to GLSEN's 2011 National School Climate Survey, 63.5% of LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, 43.9% because of their gender expression. GLSEN also reported that 81.9% of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation, and 63.9% because of their gender expression. Coming out as a member of the LGBT community can create visibility and strong support networks that help destabilize such anti-LGBT climates.
Andreja also recently began crowdfunding for her feature-length documentary, Andrej(a). GLAAD continues to work closely with Andreja to share her experiences as a transgender woman. GLAAD is also the supporting #Everybodycomeout campaign.
Check out to Everybodycomeout.com for more, including resources on coming out for LGBT people and their friends and family. Visit glaad.org/spiritday to take the Spirit Day pledge.