"Change will never happen when people lack the ability and courage to see themselves for who they are."
Bryant H. McGill

Coming out is not only a critical component of a GLBT individual’s well-being, but of the well-being of the entire GLBT community. Studies show that voters are more likely to support gay rights when they know someone who is gay, as illustrated by this U.S. News and World Report research:

“In a 1993 U.S. News and World Report poll of 1,000 registered voters, 53% said they knew someone who is gay of these, 73% supported equal rights for gays. 46% said they do not know someone who is gay or lesbian; of these, 55% supported the same rights.”

The results of this more recent Gallup poll from May 2009 also show a strong correlation between the number of Americans who support gay rights and the number of Americans who actually know members of the GLBT community. For example, 40% of Americans nationally support gay marriage. This statistic rises to 49% when the subjects know GLBT individuals, and falls to 27% when the subjects are unfamiliar with GLBT individuals. Click here to view more details.

In order to demonstrate the importance of being out, Equality Virginia has created the OUTstanding Virginians program. Each year, Equality Virginia recognizes those who have positively represented the GLBT community by honoring them as OUTstanding Virginians. These honorees are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Virginians who have made a mark. Some are activists whose courage and dedication to equality have influenced our movement. Others are GLBT elected officials, entertainers, or business leaders who have achieved great success. Click here to view previous honorees.

Listed below are resources for those seeking information on coming out:

Human Rights Campaign
As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBT Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of over 750,000 members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, the HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office, and educates the public about LGBT issues.
The Coming Out Project
http://www.hrc.org/issues/coming_out.asp
A Resource Guide to Coming Out
http://www.hrc.org/about_us/7092.htm

GLBT National Help Center
The GLBT National Help Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the needs of the GLBT community and of those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity. This organization helps end the isolation that many people feel by providing a safe environment to discuss GLBT issues on the phone or via the internet.
http://www.glnh.org/index2.html
GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
GLBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-PRIDE

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States that promotes the health and well-being of LGBT individuals, their families and friends. PFLAG also provides opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
Resources for Families, Friends and Members of the GLBT and Transgender Community
http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=209

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Established in 1990, GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for its positive contribution to more vibrant and diverse communities.
Coming Out: A Guide for Youth and Their Allies
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/1290.html

COLAGE
COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more LGBTQ parents. This organization builds communities and works toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.
Equality & Justice for People with LGBT Parents and Their Families
http://www.colage.org/category/resources/for-people-with-lgbtq-parents/

ROSMY
Founded in 1991, ROSMY supports youths between the ages of 14-20 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning their sexual orientation. As the only source of support, education, advocacy and opportunities to promote the healthy sexual and gender identity development for adolescents, ROSMY prides itself on providing the right resources at the right time with youth-driven programs dedicated to helping youth be themselves.
http://www.rosmy.org/
Youth Support Line: 1-888-644-4390