Members of the Suffolk County Legislature heard from leaders of the LGBT community Wednesday in recognition of National Coming Out Day. 

Aaron Braun, of the LGBT Network, is a transgender man and works as a community educator in Bay Shore. He originally wanted to work in the public schools until he says he had an eye-opening experience during his student teaching.

"During my placement, I was actually dismissed, I believe, because I am transgender and tried to talk about LGBT topics in the school," said Braun. 

He told his story to county officials with the head of the LGBT Network, David Kilmnick, by his side.

Kilmnick says there has been a steady rise in harassment of LGBT individuals in schools and in the workplace. He says a recent study shows over 85 percent of LGBT students report harassment in their schools.

The LGBT Network works in schools, businesses and community organizations to educate people about the LGBT community. They want to break down the stereotypes in the hopes of ending the discrimination, bullying and harassment.