October 11, 2025 — Today marks National Coming Out Day 2025, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ identities and a powerful call to challenge the assumption that everyone is straight and cisgender until proven otherwise. As the 37th anniversary of this pivotal day unfolds, the Minnesota Senate Queer Caucus has issued a stirring statement that underscores both the progress achieved and the ongoing struggles for queer communities. Their message, rooted in resilience and hope, highlights why National Coming Out Day 2025 remains a critical moment for visibility, solidarity, and advocacy.
The Minnesota Senate Queer Caucus, comprising Chair Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten (DFL-St. Paul), Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), Senator Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley), and Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville), released a statement that resonates deeply in today’s climate. Reflecting on the nearly four decades since the inaugural National Coming Out Day in 1988, they note unsettling parallels to that era. “We’re seeing state and federal laws that threaten our jobs, healthcare, and fundamental rights,” the caucus stated, pointing to a resurgence of discriminatory policies and fearmongering rhetoric. Yet, they counter this with a powerful affirmation: “Queer people are a brilliant gift to the world.” This declaration celebrates those courageously coming out while extending unwavering support to those who cannot yet do so safely.
National Coming Out Day 2025 is not just a moment of celebration but a call to action. The caucus’s vision is clear: “As queer legislators, our mission is to create a world without closets—a future where every person can live openly and authentically, free from discrimination or violence; where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals are respected, not scapegoated; and where people of all genders and sexualities have access to dignified housing, employment, healthcare, and the freedom to build families.” This ambitious goal underscores the critical role of representation in politics, where voices like those of the caucus are driving tangible change in Minnesota and beyond.
The origins of National Coming Out Day provide essential context for its significance in 2025. Launched on October 11, 1988, following the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, the day emerged during the height of the AIDS crisis—a time of profound loss and fierce activism. Dr. Robert Eichberg, a founder alongside Jean O’Leary, captured its purpose in a 1993 quote: “Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. We must come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.” This message of visibility as a tool to dismantle prejudice remains at the heart of National Coming Out Day 2025.
Minnesota has been a leader in advancing queer rights, with milestones like the 2023 trans refuge law, which protects individuals seeking gender-affirming care. However, national challenges loom large, from debates over trans rights to book bans and restricted healthcare access. The caucus’s statement for National Coming Out Day 2025 serves as a beacon amid these struggles, reminding us of the power of community and advocacy. Their work in the Minnesota Senate focuses on policies that ensure safety, equity, and opportunity for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, making their presence in government a game-changer.
The caucus members are trailblazers in their own right. Senator Oumou Verbeten, as chair, leads with a commitment to intersectional justice. Senator Dibble, a longtime advocate, has been instrumental in advancing queer-friendly legislation. Senator Maye Quade brings a focus on family and community protections, while Senator Port champions inclusive policies in Burnsville and beyond. Together, they embody the spirit of National Coming Out Day 2025, turning words into action.https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events
As National Coming Out Day 2025 unfolds, the caucus encourages everyone to take part in creating a more inclusive world. For those inspired to act, consider sharing your story if it’s safe, supporting organizations like OutFront Minnesota or the Human Rights Campaign, or simply reaching out to a loved one. In a time of both progress and pushback, National Coming Out Day 2025 is a reminder that visibility and solidarity are powerful tools for change. The Minnesota Senate Queer Caucus is leading the way, and their message inspires us all to keep pushing for a future where everyone can live authentically.https://theinfohatch.com/bayou-serial-killer-scare-latest-body-find/