PASADENA, Calif.—Pasadena’s Public Health and Library Departments will host Pasadena’s 3rd annual Coming Out Day Celebration, 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St.
LGBTQI2-S speakers will share their coming out stories and experiences. Ongina from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 1 will be the evening’s keynote speaker. Tia Wanna (Te Jay McGrath) will serve as host.
Information and resources from local organizations including: Pasadena Youth Move, Pasadena Teen Advisory Board, PMHAC, San Gabriel Valley Pride, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Strength United, PCC, Wesley Health Centers, Pasadena Fire, Pasadena Police, Planned Parenthood, Day One, Huntington Hospital (Pet Assistant Therapy), and more will be available at the event along with fun and educational activities for all ages. Activities include music, games for kids, a photo booth, food trucks, and raffles. Free HIV and Hep C testing will be available.
This free event celebrates coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally. Oct. 11, 2018, marks the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. 30 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, National Coming Out Day was first observed as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out.
One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.
Coming out - whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied - STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.
Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality.
This event is part of our city’s efforts to celebrate and foster an inclusive community. The City of Pasadena is an inclusive city. We are accepting of everyone regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, socio-economic status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or disability.
For more information, contact Te Jay McGrath, tmcgrath@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-6325