Coming Out Day television promotion encouraging people to "Be an Ally and a Friend..."

National Coming Out Day is on Saturday. It was established in 1988 to commemorate the first anniversary of the second national march on Washington for LGBT rights.

If you're gay and you're out, it's a day of pride and celebration. If you're gay and not out, it can be a lot more difficult. I hope that those who are not out and are suffering because of it, can take inspiration from those who are out and they should know that it's a great day when you finally decide to live your truth - but only when you're ready. The journey is made so much easier with the support and unconditional love of friends or family.

And so, I wanted to pass along some information I got from GLAAD: In honor of the 20th Annual National Coming Out Day on Oct 11. Cable networks and local affiliates will be airing public service announcements (PSAs) from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The "Be an Ally & a Friend" PSA campaign, now in its third year, shares with viewers the importance of accepting gay friends and family members.

The PSA above features Martina Navratilova, T.R. Knight, John Amaechi, Marlee Matlin and Rachel Griffiths.

"National Coming Out Day gives us a vital opportunity to talk about ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feel comfortable being open about who they are with their friends and families and in their communities," says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "Thanks to the generosity of our broadcast partners, we have a tremendous opportunity to reach Americans across the country with a message of inclusion and acceptance."

Among the networks recognizing National Coming Out Day will be Fox Reality Channel, IFC, Lifetime, The N, SCI FI Channel, Sundance Channel, USA Network, and various ABC affiliates.

GLAAD's ongoing "Be an Ally & a Friend" PSA campaign currently features 22 entertainers from television, film and sports. The spots encourage people to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and to help combat homophobia, directing viewers to resources at GLAAD.org (http://www.glaad.org/ally).