Sacred Heart University celebrated National Coming Out day at their main campus in Fairfield.

Organizers said the celebration was in support of members of its LGBTQ+ community who are already out and to offer support and encouragement to those still struggling to make that decision.

The university had several speakers sharing their inspirational stories, Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell was a keynote speaker for the event.

Russel is the first Black LGBTQ+ person in American history to be elected to a statewide office.

"All of the work that all of you are doing, as you come out, as you tell your story, as you support members of your community as your strong allies, as you move your institutions to set policy and to be supportive of the community," Russell said. "Is what has allowed us to make this incredible amount of progress in such a short period of time."

National Coming Out Day aims to raise awareness about the coming out journey for members of the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledge that homophobia often thrives in silence.

National Coming out day is celebrated every year on Oct.11.