When I Came Out

When I came out, I first told my best friend during lunch at school (I was 12). I wasn’t at all nervous because we had been friends for a really long time, and I was sure he would be supportive. He sat down, I said, “I’m a lesbian,” and he surprised me by telling me he was gay, too. Over time, almost all of our friends turned out to be LGBT+. I call us the Queer Team.

When I came out to my parents, they were really confused and disappointed at first and my mother said, “I failed as a parent.” They have both assured me that they still love me, but they really want me to see a Christian counselor right now.

When I came out (as a lesbian) first I told my boyfriend, who was shocked but oddly supportive. My pansexual best friend squealed in excitement at the idea of having another gay friend. And my mum said she already knew, although now it’s this kind of awkward unspoken thing.

When I came out pretty much all of my friends left me except one. I told my best friend I was gay (we had been friends for years) and he started bullying me soon after. It was a complete secret so naturally the entire school found out. My parents found out and frequently hit me and told me they were ashamed to have a gay son. I have survived two suicide attempts and regret both of them. I am now happily in love with my boyfriend, Jared.

When I came out to my friend, I was scared since it was the first time I did so. I knew she would be supportive because she has a gay aunt. I was shaking and couldn’t type (I was trying to tell her by my phone). I finally told her and she was supportive; still I was shaking and I couldn’t sleep on that night. She’s still the only one that knows since my family is homophobic.

When I came out I was at my therapist and he asked me about my life and I just blurted out, “I am bisexual.” He then told me not to be ashamed so I told my closest best friends. Now onto the parents……

When I came out I was in sixth grade. I told all my friends; I lost a lot of them. People came up to me and they called me an abomination. Two days later I told my sister, but I wasn’t ready to tell my mom… but as soon as I told my sister, she told my mom and she cried and told me I was going to hell.

When I came out to my friend I told them my crush who happened to be my best friend. They threatened me and manipulated me until I was forced to come out.

When I came out I was worried it would change everything. I’m married — have known I was bi since 7th grade. But growing up in a Christian environment I knew the rejection I would face, so I’ve always tucked it inside. I told my friend two days ago and my best friend today. They said nothing changes — they will still keep me — they still love me and they pretty much already knew. The relief of the freedom to be who I am.

When I came out, it was only to my closest friend. I just awkwardly stood with her and said, “I’m bi” while shaking. She just asked what is it and said that she doesn’t mind and still loves me. I couldn’t be more thankful. I don’t plan on coming out to my (religious) family anytime since they’re all so homophobic, except for my mother; I don’t know what she thinks about gay people.