T O W N O F R I V E R H E A D

PROCLAMATION

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

Whereas: National Coming Out Day, began in 1988, and is an annual internationally observed
celebration of those LGBTQ people who have decided to live their lives openly as who they are, and to
also provide support for those who for whatever reason have not, or are unable to live visibly; and
Whereas: The Town of Riverhead recognizes the difficulty, and sometimes danger that many in the
LGBTQ community face in coming out as who they are to friends, families, or even just publicly holding
a loved one’s hand; and
Whereas: Riverhead strives to be a place where coming out is as safe, and welcoming as possible, and
where no person should have to worry how they are perceived when living their lives as who they are;
and
Whereas: National Coming Out Day above all else though should serve as a celebration of a person’s
journey to realizing not only who they are, but also a turning point from the loneliness and self-denial of
concealing one's identity, to the fulfillment of being true to one's self to claim dignity, empowerment and
self-respect, as well as the tolerance and support from others that is deserved by all; and
Whereas: Studies have found that the inclusion of Gay-Straight Alliances and LGBTQ inclusive
curriculum in schools have positive impacts in reducing homophobic remarks and feelings of insecurity
among LGBT students and that the Town of Riverhead are so proud of the work that the members of
Riverhead High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance are doing to make our students and children feel safe and
welcome; and
Now, Furthermore, let it be known that as an ally the Town of Riverhead must continue to make feel
welcome those who face discrimination, and seek to keep alive the uniquely American promise that no
matter who you are you can succeed in our country; and
Therefore, in recognition of National Coming Out Day, I, Laura Jens-Smith, Supervisor of the Town of
Riverhead and the entire Town Board, do hereby recognize October 11th 2018 to be COMING OUT DAY
in Riverhead. I am proud to be celebrating this important observance and encourage all residents to
continue to work toward the goal of equality, tolerance, and justice for all.

Proclaimed this 16 th day of October, 2018.

Laura Jens-Smith
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS
TOWN SUPERVISOR
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my
James Wooten hand and caused the Great Seal of the Town of
Jodi Giglio Riverhead to be affixed this Sixteenth Day of
Tim Hubbard October in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand
and Eighteen.
Catherine Kent