When I came out, it really wasn’t on purpose. I had started a play at my local theater (Berkeley Playhouse) and had written on my name tag she/him. I walked in to the living room to my mom and sister, and they noticed right away. “She/him? Is that what you’re going by now?” I said “yes” and explained to them that when people ‘misgendered’ me, I didn’t mind it at all and that I felt bigender/genderfluid. My family was super supportive, even if they are still mostly using my old pronouns. For the rest of the rehearsals for my play, I carefully crafted wonderful, gender neutral outfits to wear. It made me so happy to have some people say “he” and others say “she”. I was passing as not passing! Thanks to all of my cast mates out there, and all of my other queers!!! ❤️
Story #2525
When I came out was when I brought my “best friend” (Indie) home for dinner. Later, we went into the movie room and we just happened to be kissing when my dad walked in. I was so embarrassed, but he just laughed and smiled and said, “You do you. You need to tell your mom about this.” I nodded and as Indie held my hand, I told my parents: “Mom, Dad, I’m lesbian. I like girls. This is my girlfriend Indie. She’s awesome. And I love her.” At this point I was sobbing, but what my mom did shocked me. She ran over and hugged me and told me how proud she was of me and how she would always support me. I felt so special. I am so happy I have an awesome girlfriend and loving parents! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2524
When I came out, I had only told close friends and few family members. I worked at a job that is mostly female and lived in a conservative town, so of course I would hear them all talk about their boy crushes. Often times I felt uncomfortable because I was afraid of them asking me about mine. Then one day it happened, and I decided to be brave. I replied, “I’ll think on it and give you a list.” I wrote down 3 women and gave it to her. She wrote me a note back saying, “HOT! They’re all so… yes!” It made my day. (F/17/Lesbian/sapphic)
Story #2523
When I came out it was when I was in 7th grade. People did not really like that I was trans male and and pansexual, but then in 8th grade I met this group called deep and they were all supportive and it made me happy. (Trans male/13/Pansexual)
Story #2522
When I came out to my best friend, who is straight, via text I was unsure whether he would accept me or not. He was going through a rough time and I always tried to be there for him (as good friends should); during some of our conversations he assured me that if I ever had something that I would want to talk about I could just reach out. That night, we had been texting for a long time already. I wrote down all my thoughts on my notes app, took the chance, and decided to send it to him. I remember shaking as my phone vibrated but after reading his response I felt a strong sensation of relief: he accepted me. If you had asked me half a year earlier I never would have believed that I would have gotten the courage to tell him or anybody for that matter. I’m thankful for having a friend like him. (M/17/Bisexual)
Story #2521
When I came out to my best friend who is bisexual, I was pretty nervous but I knew she would accept me so I kept confident. I came out via text while we played an expose game and we had to write stuff about us and you could guess if it was true or false. I wrote that am trans and use he/him pronouns. And she was just like stunned first and then asked if it was true and I said yes. Then she told me how proud she was of me coming out and that she would try her best to not misgender me. (She misgendered me pretty much all the time in the start, but after like a month it got better but she still forgets my name now sometimes.) (Trans male/13)
Story #2520
When I came out to my roommate the other night, I was really worried about how this could change our friendship. I’m 20 years old and it was my first coming out. I’ve known for 6 years but only recently felt safe and brave enough to actually talk about my feelings. I’m glad I did come out to her because it feels like I’m finally breaking free, and she assured me that she’s going to accept me no matter what. (F/20/Lesbian)
Story #2519
When I first came out I was with my sister and we were at a restaurant. She called a friend of hers over and he sat with us. After an hour he got up to go to the bathroom and at that moment my sister looked at me and said, “So do you like him?” I was floored; all I could do was sit there. She looked at me and said, “I know, Brad.” I replied, “Yes, he is cute, and yes, I am gay.” My life got so much better after that night. (M/48/Gay)
Story #2518
When I came out my parents used my name for a bit, but then my mom was afraid that I was faking it and they stopped. Two years later I’m supported by my family and everything is great. (M/16/Gay/FtM)
Story #2517
When I came out, I was a late bloomer. I was a teen in the 70’s, and … I never even considered telling anyone. Even in my 50’s, I wasn’t telling psychiatric practitioners. Along the way, only one close friend, who was extremely broad-minded, was let in on the secret. One Friday evening in 2018, when I was 59, it came to me like a gentle revelation as I watched a trans-related YouTuber. I was going to do it. I don’t live anywhere near family, but have a large contingent of friendly coworkers. I started slow, with very subtle nail color, and pierced my ears after a couple of months. I also started wearing women’s scents. All the changes were welcomed, and even cheered on, by the people at work. In the first year, I started laser hair removal on my face, and almost on the year anniversary, started hormone therapy. Shortly thereafter, I told my managers at work. The next winter, I ventured to work the first time en femme, in black slacks and an attractive top.. I was up to skirts in less than a week. And for Valentine’s day, I left Hershey’s kisses with “It’s a girl” stickers on the bottom, with a nice card for the entire staff. Very well-received. I have been so fortunate! Out and obvious before the lockdown. And this September … I had “the surgery.” I knew from the beginning I’d want that. I got there. (F/64/Lesbian)