Fridae

Regardless of who you are coming out to -- your friends and family, your boss and coworkers, your health care provider -- it can be one of the most empowering, albeit scary actions of your life.

"Coming out is our most powerful tool for achieving equality because it shows the world who we truly are," said Candace Gingrich, HRC's National Coming Out Project manager.

Several sections have been added to the guide to make it more expansive, and there is also a Spanish-language version of the updated guide expected this fall.

"This far-reaching guide will help people in the process of coming out by offering real-life insights and sound advice to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as those who love and care about them," said Gingrich.

You can obtain copies of the updated guide by contacting HRC or you can download a copy from the HRC Web site.

"While the expanded guide is primarily aimed at individuals going through the process of coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, it can also serve as an important tool for parents, guidance counselors, health care professionals and members of student groups on high school and college campuses," said Kim I. Mills, HRC's education director, who oversees the National Coming Out Project.

The 14th National Coming Out Day is on October 11. For more information on National Coming Out Day, visit hrc.org or call 1-800-866-NCOD.