Cavod Club Celebrates National Coming Out Day

by Rebecca Bazini, SSLI '26

Every year, October 11 marks National Coming Out Day (NCOD), a day of LGBTQ+ awareness and visibility. Today, students from the CAVOD Club (Connecting Allied Voices on Diversity) observed the day by arranging a table sporting rainbow pride-themed pins, flags, and stickers. The club table also had informational flyers, encouraging others to learn about creating a safe environment and how to be an ally.

NCOD was established by activists Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary in 1987 to celebrate those who came out as LGBTQ+ and to encourage acceptance throughout the country. Eichberg believed that queer hate thrives in silence and that people must speak up to combat it. The specific date of October 11 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the second march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1987. Since then, it has been celebrated by the human rights campaign.

“It’s nationally recognized, and we celebrate all of the brave LGBTQ+ individuals who have come out, those who are not yet able to come out, or those who have been unable to come out, and their lives and legacies,” said senior and club president Micah Bidner.

CAVOD club has been celebrating NCOD annually since its founding. Bidner recognizes that Schechter is a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and faculty but feels the community should still work to ensure everyone is welcomed and accepted, no matter their gender orientation or sexuality.

CAVOD adviser Mr. Pitt Stoller said, “If we’re committed to treating others with decency and respect, then the fact that someone is LGBTQ+ shouldn’t be an issue. So being kind is a big part of it.”

NCOD is a special day that encourages closeted members of the LGBTQ+ community to come out. “Whenever a friend shares something that is personal and sensitive, I think the best thing you can do is just to listen and be supportive,” says Pitt Stoller. 

If someone comes out to you, “Give them a hug and thank them for sharing that part of you with them,” said Bidner.

Tabling during NCOD is a way for the CAVOD club to spread awareness and positivity. “We are doing our part to make Schechter a loving family by making sure it is a safe and nurturing environment for everybody,” shared Pitt Stoller.

CAVOD Club Members decorated the table for the day and stood with the stickers, flags, and information cards. (S. Levenson)

Pitt Stoller shared, “Sometimes we hear our friends making hurtful remarks and we don’t call it out because we don’t want to risk getting into a conflict. But, to make an environment where everyone feels safe and no one feels picked on, we all need to say no to teasing or bullying comments.”

“I personally love how Schechter accepts the LGBTQ+ community,” senior Layna Botwinick said. “The CAVOD club is such an amazing opportunity to learn, and the way Schechter does National Coming Out Day is so beautiful.”

Rebecca Bazini is a staff writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since January 2023. Rebecca is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: rbazini26@schechterli.org.