When I came out it was a mess. I didn’t know who I was or who I loved. It was quite hard. I struggled finding me throughout primary school, but as soon as I went to high school it got better. I didn’t have an epiphany moment (which I wanted) but I learnt to love, love my friends, romantically other people and me. This part was quite difficult, I didn’t love me, but it’s been a year since then and now I do. I don’t know what I’m doing but I think I’m now ok with that. My love life is still certainly a mess but I can sleep at night not having any regrets. (F/13)
Story #2728
When I came out I was not at all ready for it, I came out to my family three weeks ago after my mom found a bisexual flag in my room. My whole family is LDS and weren’t unsupportive but they aren’t really supportive either. Even though I wasn’t ready to let the world see me, now that my family knows I feel so much freer and am glad it happened. I’ve come out to a lot of my friends at school and have even considered putting a Bi pin on my backpack. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2727
When I came out to my friend we were talking about crushes and I said, “I get the feeling you already know that I’m gay” and then I said who I liked at the time. It was terrifying to press send on that text but turns out that she is bi and we’re buddies still to this day. Having good people around you makes all the difference in life. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2726
When I came out, it was to my closest friends at school, who also identified as LGBTQ+ so I had trust in them. They were really supportive and every week, we attend our school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and have tons of fun conversating around queer humor, media, and life as well as participating in arts and crafts with that gay sparkle. My parents are extremely conservative and would kick me out if I came out to them, but at least I have some support! (Transmasculine nonbinary/Bisexual)
Story #2725
When I came out as bisexual, I was 15 and me and this guy came back to my house to “study” and we ended up making out. My mom came up and opened the door to ask if we wanted some snacks and she caught us really going at it. She was sort of understanding but not really and it was honestly a tough time. I’m older now and thankfully we made peace with each other before she passed away, so I feel thankful for that. (M/36/Bisexual mostly gay)
Story #2724
When I came out I threw a book at my parents. It was the book “What’s the T” by Juno Dawson. When my parents actually looked at the book, I said, “I think that this is me.” They were accepting and everything, but it took a while for changes to actually start to take place. My first Gender Affirming Haircut was about a month later I think, and only recently have they started to use my preferred name and pronouns. It is a long process, but I am mainly just glad that they are accepting of who I am. (FtM/13/Biromantic ace)
Story #2723
When I came out, I told my two best friends — one a queer girl two years older than me, and one a straight cis ally in one of my classes. Both were extremely supportive and immediately asked me for my chosen name and pronouns; I also have a few friends at school whom I can openly converse with about queer culture, media, and life. My parents are extremely LGBT-phobic so I am closeted at home, but I have amazing sources of support! I am so glad I was brave enough to open up to such wonderful friends; to all those queer ppl out there feeling lost and alone, you will find your place! (Transgender boyflux/Bisexual)
Story #2722
When I came out, I started by beading myself a bunch of pride jewelry and ordering a black and purple ring to wear on the middle finger of my right hand. I often wrote about being aroace with strangers on the internet. I didn’t specifically tell anyone I knew in real life for a few years, because I didn’t think they would understand my lack of attraction. I finally brought it up in conversation with one of my best friends, and she was very supportive. Maybe someday I’ll tell my family about my orientation too. (Wonderful woman/Fabulous fifties/Amazing aroace)
Story #2721
When I came out, I was around 13 and my sister was 10 or 11, and I was sitting on my bed and talking to my sister, and I told her I liked a girl in my class. I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, but she told me, “Either you tell our mom or I will.” Then she called my mom into the room, and that’s how I told my mom I liked girls. Her response was “Are you sure you don’t just want to be her friend?” She accepts me now, but it took a while to get there. (Genderfluid/18/Pan)
Story #2720
When I came out to my best friend, it was 9:30pm. I was writing a text message about how I am gender fluid and Omniromantic, and it went well. I told her that I liked a boy and she was very happy for me and started calling me by my preferred name. 🙂 (Genderfluid/13/Omniromantic)