When I came out, I only came out to one friend, my best friend, because I don’t think my parents will accept me. I hope one day I can tell them, but for now I am scared and don’t feel safe. After telling my friend I felt so free. Before I even came out to myself I thought I was evil, that I was disgusting. I struggled with depression, an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts; I still do but it is better. Some days are hard but it’s better; I have my ups and downs but I now there is at least one person who accepts me for who I truly am and who will always be there for me. I know I’m not completely out but to someone who is still closeted, telling at least one person helps so much. Knowing you aren’t alone and someone cares is so amazing and just know if you are struggling with internal thoughts it gets better, it really does. (F/16/Bi)
Story #2660
When I came out as gay I was so afraid that my father would be upset, but he acknowledged me and even gave me advice on how to woo the person I wanted to ask out. My mother had a different reaction; even though she accepts everyone she could not accept me. I struggled with her insistences of it being a phase and how my partner would not accept me. But I stand today after 5 years feeling better about myself, being able to cut my hair the way I want and dress how I want with my partner who loves me regardless of my gender and orientation. It gets better. (Nonbinary/20/Queer)
Story #2659
When I came out life became easier. I wrote my parents a letter and they were very supportive and accepting. They just said they love me for who I am . Even though it won’t be easy to come out to my extended family, at least my parents are with me. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2658
When I came out, it started slowly. I told my wife first, then my sister-in-law who lives with us, then my kids. When I was in the process of changing everything legally, the government sent a card, I think it was about voter registration, to my former address, where my parents still lived. The card was addressed to my new name. Immediately, they began attempting to convince me to come over so they could correct me (my sperm donor is a pastor of a very conservative church), essentially offering me conversion therapy. At this point, I just made my identity completely public, resulting in a few supportive members of my extended family, but also several cut ties. (MtF/33/Lesbian/poly)
Story #2657
When I came out I was outed at school. I was very feminine even though I was assigned male at birth, so a couple of bullies searched my backpack when I was in the bathroom and found my ‘female stash’, which was full of makeup and perfume and other womanly things. Those bullies took a picture and posted it all over their stories and everyone started calling me trans, and where I’m from, when the principal hears about a closeted child, it is mandatory for them to inform parents. My parents were angry and scolded me, saying I was confused and that gender dysphoria is fake and transgenderness is a sin and stuff like that. Now, I feel uncomfortable and insecure in my family and at school. (Trans [MtF]/14)
Story #2656
When I came out, I was 10 the first time. My mum didn’t believe me and I still have not come out to my dad (as he makes fun of gay/trans people). Second time I was 11 and started binding at my volleyball games because of the tight uniforms (do not recommend). My mum was mad and the whole way I got it was I gave her $50 for a $20 binder. She still doesn’t believe me and my sisters are very suspicious. (FtM/Gay)
Story #2655
When I came out, I was at the park with my best friend, her sister, and my siblings whom I have know for a long time. We were playing truth or dare and someone asked her something that was related to lgbtqia+ or something and she came out as bi. That night I messaged her and said, “You know how you came out earlier, well it my turn now.” Turns out we are both bi. (M/13/Bi)
Story #2654
When I came out at 16 in 2016, I had already known for over a decade that I was only sexually attracted to other men, ever since I was 5. Growing up in a Christian family made it incredibly tough, and I worried about how they would react. But through adversity, I learned the importance of self-love and acceptance. To others going through similar challenges with religious family members, know that you are not alone, and as time passes, it will become easier. Embracing who I truly am has given me the strength to keep going, and I now know that I can make it through, no matter the challenges ahead. (M/24/Gay)
Story #2653
When I came out as trans and bi, I was 10. My dad told me that “it’s a phase.” My mom was fairly supportive. My dad is a bit antsy about the subject and my mom supports me as best as she can; she even referred to me with my preferred pronouns, which felt amazing. I just got my binder and now I feel incredible. (Transgender FtM/14/Bisexual)
Story #2652
When I came out, I only told friends I could trust. When I first told my parents I was questioning my sexuality, they were supportive, but said that I was “too young to know for sure” and that it was probably “just a phase.” Over the years, I realized that I liked both boys and girls, so I’ve since accepted my bisexual identity. I’ve told friends who I can trust, and they have all been really supportive. Now, I’m proud of who I am, and don’t feel the need to hide anymore. (F/13/Bisexual)