Why Coming Out Matters

First celebrated in 1988, National Coming Out Day has been observed every October 11 for more than 25 years. In the United States, 2015 has been a year of huge change, from the legalization of same-sex marriage to the unprecedented visibility of trans people. Had people in our community not come out, none of this would have been possible. It takes knowing LGBT people, talking with them, loving them, for society at large to understand and embrace us.

One day, it may not be necessary for us to come out, but until that point, coming out is a hugely important--and hugely nerve wrecking--moment in any LGBT person's life. In this age of YouTube, many have taken to the internet, not only to get it done with in one swift motion, but also to help make it easier for young people struggling with their sexual and/or gender identities. Here are some of the biggest and most influential coming out videos:

Austin and Aaron Rhodes: 20.5 million views

Ingrid Nilsen: 12.5 million views

Tom Daley: 11.6 million views

Connor Franta: 9.4 million views

Troye Sivan: 5.9 million views

Ellen Page: 5.3 million views

Joey Graceffa: 5.8 million views

Lucas Cruikshank: 4.7 million views

Gigi Gorgeous: 3 million views