Coming Out day

Oct. 11 has been Coming Out day in the Netherlands since 2009 (and in America since 1988). And if that sounds a bit unfamiliar, it indicates that this is something that definitely needs attention.

But I can see you thinking, “but then what’s the difference between Pride and Pink Saturday?

Pride and Pink Saturday are true holidays where the event is the main expression of “celebration. But Coming Out day is much more about awareness. Not yet everyone feels free to make see known as how he/she/they feel. And on this day, many organizations are raising the flag or otherwise calling attention to the acceptance of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Now this is a day we like to show it, but the power is not in the sign, but in the organization. It’s about the team making sure we respect each other’s opinions, as well as each other’s preferences and orientations. That means mostly giving space, mar sometimes calling each other out on the fact that a joke from the ’90s is no longer quite acceptable.

Fortunately, we learned, “if you are embarrassed about something”; then it becomes embarrassing. So we make it a very open topic, which should be normal. Also addressing and explaining why something can or cannot be done. And fortunately, everyone understands that then.

That’s team building. You have to feel at home. And that’s what Coming Out day is all about.