When I came out, my friend (who was openly gay) and I were joking about how my parents thought I was gay and he asked me if I was. I leaned into his ear and whispered, “Not straight.” We had a long discussion. My other friend, who is straight, was extremely supportive as he has always been of the LGBTQ community. At this point I’ve told 5 people including my old best friend who told me I shouldn’t like a girl more than her (so that relationship had to end) but in a year I plan to be fully out. (F/14/Bi?/Lesbian)
Story #1733
When I came out to one of my best friends as non-binary, I was so scared of how she would handle it because I felt so vulnerable at the time. I texted her to tell her, and she immediately asked my pronouns and was so supportive. It honestly could not have been better. (NB/15/Queer)
Story #1732
When I came out, it was only to a small group of people. I hadn’t decided how to define myself, but I had had a massive crush on my friend for years. I just blurted it out. Turns out half the people I know are gay. I haven’t come out to my family or my school (both conservative). I have a support group now, so whenever I have to answer a question in religion class like “Why are men and women supposed to be married,” we manage to laugh it off. (12/Probably lesbian)
Story #1731
When I came out it was so scary. I did it over Snapchat to a girl that I hadn’t known for that long and she was so supportive. I came out to another friend and I had a lot of trouble saying that I was bi out loud, but she already knew, which I was very happy about it. There is only one experience for me that was bad; it was just the way my friend acted and she is bi herself. Anyway, now I have come out to all my friends and family and I am so very glad that I have. Most of the time I just call myself gay because I am into girls way more than I am guys hahaha (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #1730
When I came out my mom was like not surprised at all. She calmly said, “I know.” My dad doesn’t wanna talk about it but I know he thinks it’s okay. I think the most supportive family member is my sister, who is 11. She brags about it to her friends and is so proud of me. She bought a dress with a text saying, “Be yourself” with a rainbow behind it. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1729
When I came out I first did it in front of my parents and siblings when I was 25, and they were very accepting although I wasn’t sure how they will get it. Four years later I came out to my bigger family and friends online and that went a little less smooth and some decided to distance themselves, but I guess it gets better in time and also you meet new friends as you go on with life. (M/29/Gay)
Story #1728
When I came out I told my non-binary friend and asked for advice on how to tell my family. They were so supportive and I felt like someone understood me. Tonight I told my sister, but my mom walked in on us hugging and wanted to know what was wrong. I hesitantly told her with fear that she wouldn’t understand, but she was so accepting. We all hugged and cried and now I finally feel free after months of anxiety. (F/Pansexual)
Story #1727
When I came out to my best friend, I said I was pansexual and she said, “Yeah lol me too welcome to the club” and then like 3 days later this guy comes up to us and says, “Hey so like you’re both les or something, are you guys dating?” and we looked at each other and were like, “No, we’re just friends” and then the dude that asked us said, “With BENEFITS” and f*ckin sprinted away. (F/14/Pan)
Story #1726
When I came out I never really had any lgbt people to ask for advice or associate with. I had first come out online to internet friends, and then casually said I liked guys and girls and everyone in between to my best friend. They said it was totally cool and it turns out my other best friend is bi, which is really nice. (NB/Grey ace)
Story #1725
When I came out… I stressed out about it for years before finally telling my friend. She was so supportive and I felt like I was free. We made a whole plan for me to tell my parents but I ended up just telling them a few days later. It felt like a huge weight off my chest 🙂 (F/16/Bi)