Pasadena Marks Ninth Year of Celebrating Coming Out Day

For the ninth consecutive year, Pasadena will commemorate National Coming Out Day with a celebration that underscores the city’s commitment to inclusion and belonging. The Oct. 11 event at Memorial Park marks the 37th anniversary of a defining moment in LGBTQ history—the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

National Coming Out Day was first established in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary to commemorate the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Three decades later, the day remains a powerful reminder of why personal stories matter in the fight for equality.

“Coming out—whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or asexual—STILL MATTERS,” said Tim McDonald, director of the Pasadena Public Library Department. The reason, he explained, is rooted in both data and human connection.

The numbers, drawn from PRRI’s May 2025 Gender and Politics survey, reveal a striking disparity in visibility: While half of all Americans can name someone close to them who is gay or lesbian, when it comes to transgender people, that number plummets to one in ten—a gap that three Pasadena city departments will address through this year’s celebration.

McDonald connected those figures to policy outcomes.

“When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law,” he said. “Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other and create a sense of belonging.”

That principle of ‘belonging’ sits at the heart of Pasadena’s approach to the day.

“The City of Pasadena is an inclusive city,” McDonald said. “We are accepting of everyone regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, socio-economic status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or disability.”

The celebration itself reflects that collaborative spirit. Presented jointly by the Public Health Department, the Public Library and Parks, Recreation and Community Services, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the formal program at noon, according to the city.

The event has been held at City Hall and Central Library in past years, but this year’s celebration will be held at Memorial Park, where it will feature music, resource tables, crafts and giveaways.

“This collaboration allows the City to maximize its impact to provide music, resource tables, crafts, giveaways, and more for all attendees, and it underlines the inclusive values of the City,” McDonald said.

California law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations throughout the state. But beyond legal protections, the city’s efforts have resonated with attendees on a personal level. Feedback from past celebrations has been consistently positive, with participants expressing gratitude for the city’s recognition of the day.

For those seeking year-round support, several local organizations serve the community: The San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center offers support groups, community events and resources for queer and trans communities across the region. PFLAG Pasadena hosts monthly support meetings on the first Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. Pasadena City College’s Pride Center serves as the primary hub of resources and services for LGBTQIA+ students on campus.

Looking ahead, McDonald said the city hopes to continue the tradition. The City hopes the community can join in a celebration of belonging and inclusiveness. The City hopes to mark the anniversary of National Coming Out Day every year.

“We hope to inspire people to support equality under the law year-round,” McDonald said.