Today, Tuesday 11 October 2022, it was Coming-Out Day again. This day is completely in the light of loving and visibly being yourself, wherever and whenever. Coming out is therefore not necessarily about making a statement, or convincing someone else, but about announcing that one no longer wants to act as if and wants to live one's own truth. In a hetero/cisgender normative world, this is unfortunately still necessary.

“In education classes we sometimes run into teenagers thinking that you choose to be gay-trans or bisexual. So off; as of today I am…!” says Maaike Frankena (she/her), Information Coordinator with us. “For some people, it seems like stating that you're not straight is like choosing to study, for example. So it's not, you choose to say it!" Coming Out day is a day that calls for attention to this. “Coming out on this day is not necessarily the intention, see it as an encouragement. That's why all those flags. You see that you can be there!” Therefore stick the printed flag on your window later in this edition and take a photo with #pastdevlag!

Wonderful activities are organized everywhere in Haaglanden around Coming-Out Day. For example, tonight at 17:30 there is a great panel led by The Hang Outs 070, for which you can still sign up via this link.

Let's Connect 8 already took place on Saturday 2022 October. The event for all LGBTIQ+ students in secondary education, of which a photo of the panel below. The panel was led by Nanoah Struik (them/theirs) and was composed of Tális Cliteur (them/theirs), Bi van Guine (them/theirs), Charlie van Eersel (she/her), Thorn Roos de Vries (them/theirs). ) and Hanna van Vliet (she/her). It was a happy day full of exchange, creativity and learning. An extensive report will follow soon!

Early this morning on Coming-Out day, the rainbow flag was raised at various locations throughout Haaglanden. COC Haaglanden was there at as many locations as possible!

Every Tuesday there is also a Rainbow Supportgroup at Scheveningseveer 7 from 13:30 to 16:00 for those who have doubts, who do not dare to be themselves or who otherwise need support. Feel free to knock on the door or email mw@cochaaglanden.nl!