National Coming Out Day (NCOD) 2026
2026-10-11
🌈 National Coming Out Day (NCOD)
📅 Observed every year on October 11

What Is National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day that honors the act of coming out, celebrates those who live openly, and supports people who are exploring or embracing their identities. It is both a day of visibility and a reminder that living authentically can be a powerful act of courage and liberation.
The day began in 1988, one year after the historic 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The founders believed that openness and visibility were essential tools for creating understanding and equality. Today the event is observed across the United States and in several countries around the world.
Why the Day Matters
National Coming Out Day creates space for LGBTQ+ people to share their stories, find support, and feel seen. For many, it is a day of pride, relief, empowerment, or reflection. It also encourages allies to stand in solidarity, listen, learn, and contribute to safer, more welcoming environments for everyone.
Coming out is different for every person. Some choose to come out publicly. Others come out only to close friends or family. Some never come out, and that is completely valid. NCOD emphasizes that every path is personal and worthy of respect. The message is simple: live authentically at your own pace, and know that you are supported.
How Communities Celebrate
Organizations, clubs, campuses, and LGBTQ+ centers often host events such as panel discussions, support gatherings, storytelling programs, marches, social events, and resource fairs. Online communities mark the day with posts, videos, and stories that uplift queer voices.
For many, NCOD is not only a celebration of identity. It is a reminder that visibility helps reduce stigma and builds a world where people can be open without fear.
Blue Max Perspective
For MACC Clubs National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to reaffirm values of inclusion, respect, and pride. It is a day to support members wherever they are in their journey, whether they are newly out, long out, still discerning, or simply choosing their own level of visibility.

International Pronouns Day 2026
2026-10-21
🌍 What Is International Pronouns Day
International Pronouns Day began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative to help normalize the practice of sharing and respecting people’s chosen pronouns.
The goal is to make the use of correct pronouns a common and respectful practice in everyday life. By doing so, the day supports dignity, inclusion, and acknowledgement of people’s gender identities — especially for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Many see pronouns as more than grammar — they are tied to identity, respect, and basic human dignity. Using a person’s correct pronouns (or using gender-neutral pronouns if requested) is a basic way to show respect and acceptance.

✅ Why the Day Matters

Using correct pronouns helps avoid assumptions about someone’s gender. For many transgender or nonbinary individuals, being spoken to using correct pronouns is affirming, validating, and dignified.
International Pronouns Day encourages environments where people feel safe to share their pronouns, which helps foster inclusion, respect, and visibility for gender-diverse individuals.
It’s also a day for allies — it invites people who may not themselves be transgender or nonbinary to reflect on their language and help normalize pronoun sharing in workplaces, schools, social groups, and communities.

🎯 Ways to Observe / Celebrate
Some common ways organizations or individuals commemorate International Pronouns Day:

Sharing your pronouns in social media profiles, email signatures, business cards, or name badges.
Holding informational or educational events: workshops, panel discussions, pronoun-sharing circles, or pronoun-awareness sessions.
Using hashtags (e.g. #PronounsDay or #InternationalPronounsDay) to promote visibility online.
Checking in with friends or colleagues: asking “What pronouns do you use?” — and modeling inclusivity by sharing your own pronouns first.
Recognizing that not everyone may want to share pronouns — respecting individual comfort levels and honoring privacy is part of the day’s spirit.

MACC Fall 2026 Executive Board Meeting
2026-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
You’re invited to join our next MACC Executive Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd from 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Central Time). This virtual meeting is an important opportunity for us to review club business, discuss upcoming initiatives, and continue planning for the exciting events ahead.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, October 23
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM (America/Chicago)

Rudis Leather Society — Colosseum Run & More
2026-10-30 - 2026-11-01
Colosseum Run — What It Is
Colosseum Run is Rudis’ flagship leather run — a major event that brings together members and guests from across the region to celebrate leather culture, community, and fellowship. The Run evokes the symbolism of ancient gladiatorial tradition: “Colosseum” as a nod to history and brotherhood, “Run” as a gathering of community, freedom, and shared identity.
At Colosseum Run, attendees can expect:

Social events and gatherings where leather, gear, and self-expression are welcomed and encouraged.
Opportunities for education through workshops or FET Talks covering leather history, safe practices, consent, and more.
Community building — meet others in the leather/kink community, build friendships, find mentors or allies, and support local culture.
A safe, inclusive environment where people of any gender or background are welcome to explore leather and kink with respect and mutual consent.

Rudis emphasizes that Colosseum Run — and all their events — are designed to welcome newcomers, those curious, and long-time leatherfolk alike. Whether you are experienced or exploring for the first time, the Society aims to help you feel comfortable, informed, and connected.

About Rudis Leather Society
Rudis Leather Society was established in 2016 to create a welcoming, inclusive, and judgment-free space for anyone interested in leather, kink, or fetish culture. The club took its name from the “rudis,” the wooden sword that Ancient Roman gladiators received to signify their freedom — symbolizing the club’s commitment to freedom of expression, self-discovery, and community.
From the start a “men’s leather society,” Rudis evolved quickly into a fully gender-inclusive organization, open to all adults regardless of background, orientation, or previous experience in leather culture. Their motto centers on three principles: Be Free, Educate, Create — encouraging personal expression, kink and leather education, and building a supportive community.
Rudis runs regular socials (in person and online), educational sessions, community events, and supports outreach to local organizations. They are also part of the broader regional network of clubs under Mid America Conference of Clubs (MACC).
Two of Rudis’ ongoing offerings are:

“FET Talks” (Fetish Education Teaching) — a series of workshops and information sessions on leather and kink culture, safety, consent, and community history. These talks aim to educate newcomers and provide resources for safer, informed exploration.

Regular Leather Socials, often held at their home bar (Bar:PM), usually every other Wednesday — a relaxed, welcoming environment where people can meet, socialize, and express themselves in gear if they choose.

MACC 2026 Fall Meeting
2026-10-31
The Mid-America Conference of Clubs (MACC), established in 1974, serves as an informational, educational, and social forum for leather and levi clubs in the Mid-America region. Its mission is to promote fellowship, mutual support, and cooperation among member organizations, fostering unity and diversity within the leather community, regardless of race, creed, religion, gender identity, or orientation.
Key Objectives of MACC:
•Information Sharing: Providing a platform for discussing issues affecting the region’s leather and levi clubs.
•Education: Offering resources and opportunities for learning within the community.
•Social Engagement: Facilitating events and gatherings to strengthen community bonds.
Member Clubs:
MACC comprises various member clubs dedicated to the leather community. Each club contributes to the collective mission of promoting unity and diversity. Details about individual member clubs can be found on MACC’s official website.
Events and Activities:
MACC organizes and participates in numerous events, including leather runs, meetings, and social gatherings, to support and celebrate the leather community. Upcoming events and news are regularly updated on their website.
For more information about MACC, its history, member clubs, and upcoming events, visit their official website: https://www.midamericaconferenceofclubs.org/.

Human Rights Day 2026
2026-12-10
Observed annually on December 10
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The UDHR is one of the most important documents in modern history—declaring that all people, everywhere, are entitled to basic rights and freedoms, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance.
This day is globally recognized and honored by civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ groups, activists, and governments as a reminder that human rights must be defended every single day.

⭐ What the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Says

The UDHR outlines 30 fundamental rights and principles, including:

The right to life, liberty, and personal security
Freedom of expression, thought, identity, and belief
The right to privacy and bodily autonomy
Freedom from torture, cruelty, and degrading treatment
Equality before the law
The right to work, education, and healthcare
The right to assemble, organize, and participate in community life

These form the basis for modern civil rights protections around the world.

🌈 Why Human Rights Day Matters to LGBTQ+ Communities
The struggle for LGBTQ+ liberation—and leather/kink community visibility—has always been rooted in human rights. Human Rights Day emphasizes:
1. Equality + Non-Discrimination
Sexual orientation, gender identity, kink, relationship structure, and consensual adult expression are all areas where communities still experience discrimination.
2. Bodily Autonomy
A core human right connected to gender-affirming care, sexual freedom, reproductive rights, and personal expression.
3. Freedom of Expression
Essential for queer culture, leather culture, drag, kink communities, and personal pride.
4. Safety and Protection
Transgender women, LGBTQ+ youth, and queer people of color face disproportionate violence worldwide. Human Rights Day highlights the need to address this urgently.
5. Global Solidarity
In over 60+ countries, LGBTQ+ identities remain criminalized. Some regions still impose imprisonment or worse. Human Rights Day calls attention to these injustices and mobilizes advocacy.
