National Coming Out Day, Wisconsin News Roundup For October 11

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• LGBT Activist Says Coming Out Is Still Important

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  Friday is the 25th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Every year on Oct. 11, the LGBT community and straight allies talking about sexuality and equality with their friends and families to educate people about gay rights.

  While many believe things are getting better for LGBT people in the United States, “coming out of the closet” is still a risk. Candace Gingrich, associate director of youth and campus engagement at the Human Rights Campaign, said that coming out could still be the thing that gets people fired from a job or causes a judge to give custody of children to someone else because they aren’t gay. But she said coming out is an important part of working towards LGBT equality.

  “It comes down to education. The biggest enemy we have is ignorance and the way that we can get rid of it is just being out and open and having those conversations,” Gingrich said.

  Last year, on-air radio personality Aaron Rogers came out on the air on National Coming Out Day. He said he decided to come out in such a public way to be a mentor and a resource to his listeners. He shared his story and his advice for someone who’s considering coming out.

  “You just have to find somebody who you trust and who you’re comfortable with that you can express your feelings to and really be open with. And I think that connection..is the most powerful bond to making you feel more comfortable about the way you feel about your life so that you can live authentically as a person,” he said.

  Those who want to find out more information about National Coming Out Day can visit the Human Rights Campaign website.

• National Coming Out Day

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  October 11th is National Coming Out Day. Candace Gingrich – LGBT rights activist and sister of Newt Gingrich – joins the show to talk about the day’s history and meaning. Z104 Radio Host also shares his experience coming out on air during last year’s National Coming Out Day.

• State News Round-Up For October 11

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  WPR’s assistant news director joins us to talk about what’s making news in Wisconsin this week.