When I came out it was actually just yesterday over an actual letter to one of my best friends. I wrote a double-sided page with shaking hands. She just responded to me over text message and I couldn’t be any happier with her response: “hey, I just read ur letter, it doesn’t matter, ur still my best friend and I love you no matter what 😊.” (F/18/Gay)
Story #1322
When I came out over text (because I was too scared), my mom got angry at me and now I have to go to church and meet with the pastor. Painfully hurt, I came out to my friend 10 minutes later. She totally accepted me (even adding a family face). Strange how I thought my mom loved me, when my best friend apparently did more so. Lesson: don’t tell your Christian mother unless she is open-minded. : (
Story #1321
When I came out to my cousin as gay she at first was very accepting but then she kept pressuring me to tell my parents I was gay, which is not a good idea because I grow up in a traditional strict Catholic family, and she now hates my girlfriend. My cousin and I used to be very close; now we never talk. (17/Lesbian)
Story #1320
When I came out to my childhood best friend we were casually texting one night and she asked how I was and I told her I had the flu and then she said, “that sucks” and I said, “it’s okay my girlfriend watched a movie with me.” She didn’t respond for a while and so I said, “sorry I wanted to tell u in person that I’m gay It just slipped.” She responded, “nah it’s cool I’m bi so it’s really not a big deal.” Then she responded, “60% of people are some type of gay who would have known my childhood best friend started it all.” I think I could have died at how hard I laughed.
Story #1319
When I came out to my sister I was super nervous, but when I told her I’m gay she was not fazed at all. She just said, “I knew it” and then gave me a hug and said, “I’m so happy you finally admitted you’re a lesbian.” I then asked her how she knew and she said, “You wear a lot of flannels.” She paused. “And you have a huge obsession with boobs.” We laughed all night and stayed up talking and I told her about the girl I was in love with and still am in love with. (She/her/17/Lesbian)
Story #1318
When I came out to my mom she was incredibly accepting. Despite knowing how much she loved me, I was worried that telling her would make her love me less. After I finally told her that I am bi over the phone (I was too afraid to do so in person) she told me that she would love me unconditionally. Although this was hard for me to do, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my chest. (19/Bi)
Story #1314
When I came out my friend thought it was a prank. To her surprise twas not a prank and still to this day people think I’m pranking them. Like can I please just have one person believe me before I have to get all the way into it… (M/13/Gay)
Story #1317
When I came out to my parents, my sister told all of her friends at school (which is a lot of people) of what went down. They’re all so supportive of me and love me to pieces. So when I walked into the school courtyard the next day, everyone there stood up and applauded me, cheering and clapping as I passed. I am so lucky to have such an amazing sister and community. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1313
When I came out to my mom, I was 13. I didn’t know what I was doing, I wasn’t even sure what I was. She was bothering me about my future husband and I said, “Well, spouse,” and she flipped and thereafter started reinforcing that it’s not appropriate to think of someone of your gender that way. I ran back into the closet, not just for her but for myself as well. Four years later, I’m finally out to myself, but nobody else.
Story #1312
When I came out (again), I did not end up “waiting to come out to anyone else until I have a reason to.” I was kind of outed in truth or dare. I was asked, and I just didn’t lie about it. I lie constantly about every trivial thing imaginable, but right then I just didn’t. Now I don’t know who actually heard me, so I’m not really sure how “out” I am. Not panicking about this AT ALL… nope…(She/her/17/Lesbian)