Unfortunately, not everyone is able to make this decision for themselves - they are often outed by others. It's usually as an attack that is meant to belittle, demean, or even ruin that person's life. Being outed is one of the worst things that anyone can experience, and when it happens to someone younger who does not have a strong support network, tragedy can strike. The more we can do to make the world more accepting, then we can literally save lives! Additionally there's the harsh truth that we're always having to "come out" simply be being LGBTQ. Even in liberal societies and countries, heteronormativity remains. Every new job usually results in a coming out of sorts, even if it's just casual talk about your partner during breaks. If you travel abroad, there are literally some countries where you have to go back in the closet just to stay safe (I personally had to be quite reserved while travelling across Russia in 2017 - and even skipped going a gay bar in Yekaterinburg because it had been RAIDED only a few months prior!) So while National Coming Out Day is a first and foremost a celebration of everyone who has come out, it is also a day where we share the amazing resources out there to help and support those struggling with their identities. And while the focus is still on coming out, the day is just as important as another way to advocate and raise awareness to the LGBTQ community and the civil rights movement.