9781422283769

1 WHAT IT MEANS TO COME OUT

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

LGBT: An inclusive term used for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and trans- gender people. (It is sometimes written LGBTQ, to include those who are questioning their sexual orientation or who identify as queer.) Activists: People committed to social change through political and personal action. Liberal: Open to new ideas; progressive; accepting and supportive of the ideas or lifestyle of others. Alienation: A feeling of separation and distance from other people and from society.

October 11 can seem like just another day. It’s not an officially recognized holiday. When it falls on a workday, banks and businesses are still open. On weekdays, school is still in session. There are no special sales in de- partment stores, and freeways aren’t jammed with holiday travelers. But for thousands of people, October 11 is one of the most important days of