When I came out to myself, I cried. I was reading a book with a lesbian couple, and I found myself thinking, “This is what I want.” I didn’t tell anyone until towards the start of 8th grade when I told my mom, almost by accident. I’m incredibly lucky that my mom is extremely liberal, so I just told her off-hand when she was talking to her sister on the phone. She’s been super helpful since then. However, coming out to other people since then has been terribly hard. At my school, there’s an underlying homophobia that detracts me from telling my friends. Only three friends know, two of which (including my crush) I told on accident, the other guessed. Every day I feel like I’m lying to myself, not telling people. But I’m sure that someday, I’ll find my courage, and I encourage you to find yours. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #1739
When I came out I was at a restaurant and was waiting for my food with my parents. I decided to come out a bit early. Keep in mind that I had tried to come out to my dad before but didn’t have the courage to, and I grew up in a straight environment. So I grabbed a piece of paper and drew my pride flag. I had my dad and stepmom guess the flag. So I think they got the hint. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #1738
When I came out I was crying because of how depressed I was, and my parents were mad because I wasn’t telling them what was going on. Then I finally told them and my sister and started crying even more. They said they still loved me and will support me no matter what. Now, my parents and 15-year-old sister know, and about eight of my friends know. I am planning on telling more people in around 8th grade. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #1737
When I came out as gay at 14, I was so scared… My mom is the first person to find out my orientation… I was scared about her reaction because we are living in a post-communist country… Now I have a relationship with an awesome guy. My mom asks me when I’m going to marry him but the law doesn’t accept gay marriage… A story with a happy end 🙂 (M/18/Gay)
Story #1736
When I came out, I showed my mum a compilation of photos with writing up the top saying: “Which of these people are not a lesbian?” (Idk). She didn’t get it, so I told her, “No, Mum. I like girls.” She was quite supportive but did question me later saying that feelings can change (basically saying it was a phase) but it’s not. (F/Lesbian)
Story #1735
When I came out it was to my BFF at the time (who I was secretly in love with) and she said, “I thought something was up.” She was super supportive. Sadly, I am no longer in contact with her. When I came out to mom, however, I wanted to die because I knew she was an extremely strict Christian and doesn’t support it. She recently told me, “I love you but do not support the sin.” And, now? Being 17, I just do not give a crap anymore. BE YOURSELF, OWN IT! You will be happier. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #1734
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)