Students at the University of Illinois at Springfield are coming together to allow others to come out. October 11 marks the 23rd annual National Coming Out Day to battle hate. Gays, lesbians and their supporters are raising awareness in hopes of increasing tolerance.
William Kipp first came out at age 13 telling his parents he was gay.
"They sent me away to a boarding school... their hope was it would turn me straight," said Kipp.
Kipp and his friends have all experienced first hand the struggles young gay people face in today's society.
A story on National Coming Out Day aired on WICS-TV 20 on October 11, 2010.
Watch the story online
