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)
Story #2651
When I came out, my parents had always been a little passive aggressive about trans or lgbtq people in general. I came out a total of 3 times, and hundreds of signals I was trans since the age of 8. They are (probably pretending) still clueless. I pass well and I have been stealth in my school for the past 2 years. (FtM/15)
Story #2650
When I came out to my parents as pansexual I was 9, and my parents were very supportive, even if they did act like it was a phase. When I was 11 I came out as a lesbian, because I had never really had crushes on men, I just saw them as friends. My friends were all very supportive and I couldn’t be more lucky with the way that things turned out. I am coming out to my mom’s side of the family this weekend, and I hope it goes well. Good luck to anyone who is/is thinking about coming out. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2649
When I came out, I didn’t know about the LGBTQIA+ at all. I just told my parents, “I want to be a boy” and “I’m a boy”. They didn’t believe me at first, but started to realize I actually meant it when I told my friends at school in grade 2 and 3. They were a bit confused but really supportive from grade 4 and on, when I did a presentation about it in my class. My life is going pretty great, regardless of my hated middle name and nickname, and I run a Pride Club at my school. (M/12/Demiromantic/pansexual/FtM trans)
Story #2648
When I came out, my parents weren’t sure if it was a joke. In eighth grade, my friends and I made a pact to all come out with the classic “I’m straight, April fools!” to parents, and I sent the text right before two long hours of swim practice. My dad was silent the car ride home, until he asked if I was serious about my text. He said, “So, are you gay?” and I said “Kinda?” and after clarifying to my mom she said, “Okay” and that was that — I guess that was all I could ask for. The subject will never not be awkward; they will never not make subtly homophobic comments; it will take a lot for me to feel comfortable in my sexuality around my family. Still, I can be grateful. (F/16)
Story #2647
When I came out, I was 10 years old. I thought I was bi at the time, but when I told my parents they said that I was “too young” and I was being “influenced” by a friend I had at the time. Now, I know I am queer, sapphic, and non-binary. I am not going to tell my parents because of their reaction when I was younger, but I am out to a few friends and it feels AMAZING to be able to talk about it and make gay jokes. If your parents don’t accept you, I am sending hugs and please know that I love you and accept you always. (Non-binary/13/Queer/sapphic)
Story #2646
When I came out was so weird. Being trans can be so painful but so joyful as it is, but whenever I was asked about my future as a child, I just couldn’t envision my future as a woman. But since I came to terms with my gender and came out, I’ve felt so much inner peace and I can finally picture myself as an adult, a guy, not a girl. My family are kind of touchy on the subject and their reaction when I came out was mixed. Thankfully they use my name and it seems like(?) they’re trying with my pronouns. Whatever happens, I don’t care what they think. Coming to terms and realising my true identity has been the best thing ever; I finally feel at peace with myself knowing who I really am. I can’t wait for the day I can find a lover and start a happy, loving and accepting family and break that generational trauma that looms over my head. (Trans man / 15 / Unlabeled)
Story #2645
When I came out to my mom I was 16 and she said, “I know.” Honestly I felt relieved that she didn’t say anything negative. Which was better than her bf reaction who told me if I don’t change I am going to hell. My mom accepts me and supports me even if she does say unflavory words about other people in the community that I always correct her on. (F/19)
Story #2644
When I came out, my mum brushed past it and ended up outing me to a close friend of hers. My mum told me that it was just a phase and I’d get past it. This was years ago, and I am still so full of hurt and dysphoria but I’m coping. I still haven’t really told any of my friends yet because I’m scared I’ll get hurt too. (Genderfluid/15/Asexual)
Story #2643
When I came out I was 15 and having a breakdown in a cafeteria with my mother, but I wish I’d done it much earlier. I said I wanted to be a boy a lot of times when I was younger, but I got really closed-off in general at some point and wanted to avoid the topic of my gender with my family for years because I thought they would make it awkward and not understand. Nobody was surprised when I did get around to telling them, though, and now I’ve got a name and am living like me. (FtM/16)