Congressional staffers recognize National Coming Out Day

Thursday marks the 24th annual National Coming Out Day, and even though Congress is in recess, Jake McCook hopes the LGBT community on Capitol Hill will be celebrating.

McCook, press secretary to Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and communications director for the Gay, Lesbian, and Allies Senate Staff (GLASS) Caucus, says, “It was started by the gay community just as a day for people all over the country to just celebrate who they are and come out. And it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year.” 

There are currently four openly gay members of Congress, which is more than there ever has been. The group includes Democratic Reps. Jared Polis (Colo.), Barney Frank (Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (Wis.) and David Cicilline (R.I.). But McCook says it’s important to increase the visibility of gay people at the Capitol. He tells us his nonpartisan group wants to show that “there are gays and lesbians on the Hill and we’re able to have successful careers.”

A group of about 50 LGBT congressional staffers came together last week to pose for a photo on the east steps of the Capitol to promote the Oct. 11 event. Parades and rallies are planned around the world to observe the day.

“This is one day we’re just trying to encourage more people to come out,” explains McCook.

Photo: Greg Nash