Coming Out Stories: HuffPost Readers Share Their Experiences (PHOTOS)

To celebrate LGBT History Month, we invited you to share your own coming out stories on National Coming Out Day 2010 (Oct. 11).

We received hundreds of submissions -- some heartbreaking, some heartwarming, some downright hilarious, but all affirming the imperative to "come out" against hate and celebrate those who fearlessly embrace who they are.

You can peruse the full collection of coming out stories here, but we've highlighted some of the best below. Thanks to all the members of the HuffPost community who had the courage to share.

PHOTOS: