October 11 is International Coming Out Day. On this day, which is celebrated worldwide, attention is paid to the moment when a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender expresses his or her (sexual) preference. Unfortunately, a so-called coming out (coming out of the closet) is still not a matter of course for everyone. That is why two LGBT interest groups and five municipalities have joined forces in a joint awareness campaign from 7 to 11 October.

Interest groups COC Haaglanden and DWH (Delft Workgroup Homosexuality) have developed a visibility campaign together with the municipalities of Delft, The Hague, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Westland and Zoetermeer, aimed at all residents of the municipalities concerned. The aim of the campaign: to make it clear that a Coming Out, coming out for who and what you are, is not easy and self-evident for everyone.

With playful items in the shopping streets, street theater and various substantive events, an attempt is made to increase the visibility of this problem. The well-known rainbow flags will also be hoisted at many iconic locations in the various cities, such as at the Hofvijver in The Hague and the old town hall of Delft. In addition, a record attempt will be made on 11 October: to provide information about sexual diversity 100 times in schools in the region for 100 different classes.

A public joint kick-off will take place on Friday 7 October. The five aldermen of the municipalities involved, those with emancipation in their portfolio, meet at the International Gay Monument in The Hague to officially start the activities. During the kick-off program there will also be a panel discussion with the five aldermen about the LGBT policy within each municipality.

“Education about sexual diversity in schools is of the utmost importance. By already discussing the subject in schools, we ensure that more LGBTI people can have a problem-free Coming Out in the future.” According to COC Haaglanden chairman Arnout van Kooij. Bram van Meurs, chairman of DWH Delft, is happy to add: "Unknown makes unloved: visibility and conversation are the basis of that familiarity, we want to achieve exactly that with these actions."

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