The New York Islanders announced Thursday that the team has partnered with the LGBT Network for the Coming Out Day campaign and an anti-bullying program in more than 200 schools.

Coming Out Day allows people to share their personal stories with friends and loved ones.

But advocates for the LGBTQ community say the day is about so much more than that; it's about creating safe places at schools, businesses and sporting events, as well as promoting tolerance and teaching inclusion.

The Islanders say the franchise is the first professional sports team to participate in the National Coming Out Day campaign. They will host a pride night on Jan. 13.