When I came out it was at church with my friend. She said to me, “I have a crush on a girl,” and I hadn’t told anyone I’ve liked girls since I knew what liking someone meant. “I’m gay,” I told her. She was so nice about it, and I have four friends who know; one is pan, one is gay, one is bi, and one is questioning. Now I have to come out to my conservative, Christian, homophobic grandmother whom I live with. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2059
When I came out to my mom she didn’t accept me. It wasn’t until after the 4th time that she realized I might not be cis and straight. After that she took me to a therapist that was going to “fix” me. I didn’t realize and thought she was trying to help so I told him all my secrets. Later I found out he repeated it all to my mom and homophobic family. When I came home my dad slapped me and I called my best friend. She hugged me and helped me come out to our friend group. I also found out my crush is pan so I might have a chance with them! (Genderfluid/14/Pan)
Story #2058
When I came out to my friends they were excited to have a bi girl in the friend group. Then later some of them started to tell me to pick a side. Today everyone is OK with it. (Female/14/Bi)
Story #2057
When I came out, I wasn’t planning on doing it. I had this sudden urge and I ended up coming out to my close friends through a group chat. They were very loving and supportive.
Story #2056
When I came out I was in 4th grade (I was 10) and my friends were creeped out but supportive. I had a crush on one of my friends and I told her. She just grinned and said, “Cool!” I got over her and the next year I got a major crush on my other friend. I told her and she rejected my friendship. Now I have a crush on my hot music teacher. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2055
When I came out to my grade at school last year I sent a mass email to everyone. I got positive responses and some slightly transphobic responses but it was fine. Now almost exactly a year later I am called by my new name and a lot of people use my correct pronouns. Some people don’t but that’s okay. (FtM/15/Grey romantic asexual)
Story #2054
When I came out, I did not plan it, but I came out to my best friend and then I came out to my dad. He told my mom and they kicked me out. Now I live with my girlfriend. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2053
When I came out I was at a political summer camp and I met two girls who both identified as gay. I thought they were really cool and smart and when they talked everyone listened, and I realized that being queer doesn’t stop you from being influential in politics. I talked to one of them and she hugged me and said she believed in me. On the train going home, I texted my friends this long text about how I was figuring out my sexuality. They all responded and said they loved me and I cried in the train. Pete Buttigieg dropped his campaign today and even though I am a Bernie supporter I am sad because I want a queer president so I guess I have to be the first. (F/16/Queer)
Story #2052
When I came out, my dad threw the vase of flowers I had just brought home from my first girlfriend across the room. I was petrified — he never acted that way. He wasn’t prepared; no one really was. A couple of my friends seemed to understand, or at least “love me through it”, but overall I wasn’t accepted for almost 4 years. Stay committed and stay strong. You’re never alone and the fight is so beyond worth it. Love whoever you love and do it with passion. Live your truth. (F/24/Pansexual)
Story #2051
When I came out I had a best friend who always called me gay as a joke, so the day before I told her, I asked her how she would react. Then we were walking together and I just told her. She was fine with it and so were my others friends, even the ones whose religion it was against, and I was so happy. (Bi)