When I came out, it was technically to myself. I was 12 or 13 and I realized that I didn’t experience any attraction to people until I really got to know them. I at first thought it was normal until I developed a crush on my childhood best friend, who was a boy. I was like: “Eww… I’m gay? That’s gross…” but after a little bit of research, I realized I was demisexual and I was surprised. I do contemplate if I’m either demi or pan but my mind is like: Go, Demi! Nowadays, I’m deciding if I’m either nonbinary or pangender. (Nonbinary or pangender/14/Demisexual)
Story #2599
When I came out, it was around the mid 2000s, possibly 2004 or 2005, but I didn’t have a clue about what the LGBTQ was and I was diagnosed with anxiety issues and whatnot. I told my therapist first and she was fairly supportive and even encouraged me to tell my parents. I mustered up the courage to tell my parents at dinner that night, and my parents smiled and told me I will be loved no matter what I am. I was proud and nowadays I even thank my therapist, who sadly died in 2021 due to cancer. I got married in 2017 with a beautiful wife – who is trans and bi – and we live happily with our two-month-old twins and rowdy golden retriever. (F/34/Lesbian)
Story #2598
When I came out, it was terribly hard. I first came out as pansexual to my parents, and they both accepted me, But when I came out to my friends, they just walked away. I don’t know if they accepted me or not, but they’ll walk away whenever I am near them. (F/14/Pansexual)
Story #2597
When I came out I had a really supportive family. Me and my dad were just talking about my day and then all the sudden my dad asked me if I was gay. I think he got the idea because I was reading all these queer stories and like buying pride flags. When I told him he said, “Well, I’m proud of you.” And I felt really accepted. Soon after I came out to my siblings. It took some time for them to understand; everything can be very confusing especially at a young age. (F/she/they/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2596
When I came out we were at a family gathering, and my uncle then came up with the topic of love and asked me if I had a boyfriend yet. I just shook my head and told him and the rest of my family that I didn’t even want to have a boyfriend and that I was lesbian. My family was really supportive and my cousin (15M) even unexpectedly came out with me as bi. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2595
When I came out, it wasn’t really planned. I was on my PC in my gaming room; me and a mate were talking about my orientation while we were gaming. While we were doing so I didn‘t hear my dad coming home from work and probably listen to our conversation. Later while we were eating dinner he asked me if I was bisexual. He looked at me with that expression he would usually use when I did something wrong. He kept on asking until I gave in and told him that I was demiboy and pansexual. He was confused at first so I had to explain it to him. I didn’t expect him to be this supportive but he was. He even told me he would buy me my flags and learn more about Lgbt so he can take part in my conversations. (M He/they/15/Pan)
Story #2594
When I came out it was 7th grade and one of my best friends sat next to me. Then the annoying kid just wrote “gay” on a piece of paper and that made me a little sad cause he always made fun of people for anything. My friend saw it and then just whispered, “Are you gay?” Then I got shaky but then said, “Yes I am and I kind of have a crush on this cute boy”. From that day I have only ever told two of my best friends and have supported me all the way. Thank you so much for show your support and compassion that helps me. (M/Gay)
Story #2593
When I came out… I was 8 or 9. I was watching a Barbie show and fell in love with the pretty pink dresses and cutesy bows and I told my mom, who was three months pregnant with my little sister, that I wanted to be a girl. She was at first surprised but she placed her hand on my shoulder and told her that she’ll love me no matter who or what I become. However, when I came out to my dad, who just returned from a work trip, he was disgusted and said that God made man and woman, not abominations. My mom argued with him and my dad still disrespects me and refers to me as a he/him. (Transgender/MtF/12/Bisexual)
Story #2592
When I came out, I was not only kicked out but was also talked crap about. I came out to my parents as trans and they were furious. My mom called me a disgrace and that she should’ve never had my aunt, who is also trans, to babysit me when I was 10. My dad shook his head and told me to pack my belongings. I was heartbroken and I moved into my best friend’s apartment. Two or three weeks later, I found out my mom was talking crap about me to my Aunt Leslie (the trans one). Since my aunt loved me for who I am, she called me and told me everything will be OK. Afterwards, I started to go on hormones, which made me moody and when my mom called me to apologize, I screamed at her. But that was two years ago and now everything is OK. (I don’t talk to my parents anymore but I still chat with my aunt.) (Female/MtF/19/Straight)
Story #2591
When I came out, I was around 31 and it was to my coworkers. It was spectacular and they even threw a party for me the next day. My parents are a bit skeptical but they support me nonetheless. (M/42/Gay)