National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day, aiming to support members of the LGBTQ+ community in “coming out.” Coming out is a unique and varied experience for everyone, and some individuals cannot come out due to fear of their safety, a circumstance the observance acknowledges.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some LGBTQ+ people were forced to quarantine in unsafe environments with individuals who were either unaware of their identity or refused to accept them altogether. KCSB News’ Daniel Huecias and Grace Kish speak with UCSB student and Raab Writing Fellow Julia Barrera regarding their isolation throughout the pandemic. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Coming Out Day with UCSB’s Resource Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, highlighting their upcoming events and activities, in an interview with Sky Limón, RCSGD program coordinator, and Jordan Levine, RCSGD outreach coordinator.