Los Angeles Becomes Largest Major City in the U.S. to Recognize National Coming Out Day
This past Friday, the Los Angeles City Council adopted a resolution in support of naming October 11th “National Coming Out Day” in the City of Los Angeles. While recognized nationally for over three decades, Friday’s vote marked a historic moment for “National Coming Out Day,” with Los Angeles becoming the largest major city in the U.S. to commemorate the day. Councilmember Nithya Raman, alongside PJ Brescia, Founder of BabyGay, and Lindsay Kennedy, co-owner of Los Angeles-based The Black Cat, coordinated the activities. Other speakers included: June Paniouchkine, TransLatin@ Coalition, Lynn Ballen, Dyke Day, Robert Gamboa, LGBT Center, & Angel René, Artist.
Taylor Stayton, Ashlee Belzo, Iliana Ruth and guests attend National Coming Out Day 2024National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 by LGBTQ+ activists Jean O’Leary and Robert Eichberg. Now, 36 years later, as record numbers of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have been introduced in recent years at the state level, cities and towns are more important than ever in acknowledging the contributions of their LGBTQ+ residents and building visibility and acceptance. Resolutions like the one passed Friday in Los Angeles reinforce local leaders’ commitment to recognizing and protecting everyone who participates in their community, including LGBTQ+ families.
In addition to Friday’s proclamation, the city participated in a special event at the Black Cat, a restaurant in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood. The Black Cat became the site of major LGBTQ rights history shortly after it opened its doors in October of 1966 to cater to a gay clientele at a time when same-sex relationships were criminalized in California. Just two months after its founding — and two years before the Stonewall Riots in NYC — the Black Cat was targeted in a police raid on New Year’s Eve that caused brutal violence against patrons and widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In the wake of these unjust events, hundreds congregated in protest outside the venue, marking The Black Cat as a rallying point for activism. Today, The Black Cat remains a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2022, was designated by the state of California as an historical landmark.
Margaret Cho performs at National Coming Out Day 2024 at The Black CatFriday’s events were produced by BabyGay, a nonprofit founded in 2023 whose mission is to foster a queer and ally community that celebrates the coming out process through storytelling and community building, and by creating impactful events. It aims to amplify queer voices and create spaces for connection and education. At the heart of their mission is the belief that while coming out is tough, it doesn’t have to be lonely.
Friday’s event at the Black Cat featured Margaret Cho, Grant Knoche, and a star-studded lineup of queer comedians, musicians, and performers, with inspiring speeches from local leaders, and an LGBTQ+ vendor village by the only queer nationwide market Manic Pixie Dream Market.
PJ Brescia, Founder of BabyGay, expressed gratitude about the momentous occasion, stating: “I’m deeply honored to be part of this historic moment, as BabyGay, The Black Cat, and the City of Los Angeles—supported by the incredible leadership of Councilmember Nithya Raman and the co-owner of The Black Cat, Lindsay Kennedy—come together to officially recognize National Coming Out Day as a city holiday. This is more than just a celebration—it’s about fostering a lasting, judgment-free community that welcomes everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. Moving forward, BabyGay is dedicated to continuing this work by hosting monthly meetups at The Black Cat, offering a safe space for connection. We’re also launching a podcast to reach even more people and further our mission of inclusivity, support, and storytelling.”
For more information or for media looking to be put in touch with any of the organizations involved, email press@glaad.org.
Angel Rene performs at National Coming Out Day 2024 at The Black Cat