FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 11, 2012

Time: 9:45am

His Serene Highness, David, PrinceBishop of the Serene Principality of Serendip today issued a statement in support of National Coming Out Day.  The United States marks National Coming Out Day on October 11th of every year.  On this date, closeted gay American’s are encouraged to take first steps to “come out of the closet”.  Visibility is essential in the efforts of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people to gain full legal equality.

His statement reads:

“On this day, We encourage all LGBT people to take one step out of the closet.  Coming out is not a single event.  It is an ongoing process that happens every day.  The first step is the hardest.  After that each successive step is easier.  Coming out is a personal and political act that is essential for individual well being and for the struggle of LGBT people to gain full legal equality.

“We believe in the fabulousness of all people whether they are gay or straight.  We want all people to share the civil rights currently granted only to straight people in the USA.  We recognize that not all nations have progressed as far as the Serene Principality of Serendip in this issue.  We encourage nations to grant to LGBT people ALL the rights and privileges currently granted to straight people in their borders, as Serendip does.

“Coming out is not an easy thing for many of us.  And it is never done.  Every new person met is a new opportunity to come out.  That doesn’t mean declaring one’s sexuality at every moment.  But it does mean not editing one’s speech when discussing one’s family, lovers and friends.  Come on out.  The weather is fine.  We know from experience that this is true.  If you come out, you will be supported.”

END