Rit on Tv - National coming out day

>>ANCHOR: This is National Coming Out Day and many are working to raise awareness for the gay and lesbian community, including students and staff at RIT. Cierra Putman has more from the newsroom. Cierra? >>REPORTER: Kevin, the gay community at RIT says this is an important time to celebrate this day, especially with the recent happenings in the state with the passage of the gay marriage and the recent suicide of a Buffalo-area gay teen. >>DEIDRE GRAHAM: I planned to be out here, but I just told my mom yesterday. >>REPORTER: For many young people like RIT freshman DiedrE Graham, coming out was something she knew she was ready to do. >>DEIDRE GRAHAM: It went really well. She laughed and said like that's it, because she could sense that something was wrong, but it was kind of weird for her because I've had boyfriends, you know? So it sort of like came out of the blue. >>REPORTER: Diedre's originally from St. Crux in the *** Islands, a place where she says there is little support for the gay community. >>DIEDRE GRAHAM: It's not easy being out there. Really conservative little island. >>REPORTER: Other gay students and faculty at RIT wrote down their stories of coming out and posted them on this makeshift closet. Some had positive experiences, like Diedre, but the decision was more difficult for others. With the recent legalization of gay marriage here in New York, Tristan Wright was outspoken, says things are getting better but there's still a long way to go. She hopes today helps gays who are bullied or persecuted. >>TRISTAN WRIGHT: Having people come out and tell their stories helps other people know they're not alone, and it makes it much more possible for them to make that choice to come out. >>REPORTER: Graham says the LGBT community at RIT helped her come out here at school and to her parents. >>DIEDRE GRAHAM: When I go back in December, I'm not going to hide it either. Yeah, I'm done. >>REPORTER: Now National Coming Out Day was introduced in 1988. Gays, lesbians and transsexuals have been coming out on Oct. 11 for more than 20 years. Cierra Putman, News 8. >>ANCHOR: Thank you, Cierra.