For LGBTQ+ History Month, NPR wants to hear your coming out story
Every October, the U.S. observes LGBTQ+ History Month, which includes National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. The day, celebrated since 1988, honors the significance of coming out or inviting others in and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ rights. Coming out is a personal choice and often an important part of reclaiming the right to live authentically in one’s identity publicly. The Human Rights Campaign says “coming out” is a common term for acknowledging being LGBTQ+, but it is not about seeking permission to be who you are. To embrace and celebrate the courage of people who have come out, NPR is inviting you to share how you invited people into this part of your life.
Your story could be featured in the Up First newsletter on Oct. 12. Use the form below and tell us about your coming out story. You can also upload a photo or send a voice memo. Photos should be taken by you and unedited.
Please submit responses by Oct. 1.
See some of your responses — and get the news you need to start your day — by subscribing to our newsletter.
Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.

