When I Came Out

When I came out, I was in 8th grade. There was a guy I had a crush on and I found out he was bisexual. We were talking one day and I told him flat out I was gay. And now, 18 years old and seniors in high school, we are living together and couldn’t be happier with each other.

When I came out for the first time, it was on April Fool’s Day to my best friend. I sent her a snapchat that said, “I have something to tell you… but I don’t know if I can because I don’t want you to think it’s an April Fool’s joke so maybe I’ll tell you tomorrow…” She sent one back, saying, “No! You already brought it up, tell me!” and I replied, “I like girls. A lot.” She didn’t reply for about 10 minutes so I was a bit worried but she finally replied, “I know. I still love you!” and it was just awesome to know that she was still there for me and still loved me the same.

When I came out, my dad hugged me, and it has been a long time since he did that. My mom was still in the state of shock, but both of them tolerated me. But they both said that this is just a “phase” I’m going through, although I know deep in my heart that I’m really gay, I just didn’t voice that out of respect for them. What I was inculcating in mind the whole time was that at least they now know and that they want me to be happy for who I am.

When I came out I was actually forced out. Mom found rather intimate letters I wrote to my college girlfriend and came to me about it one random night. I cried because I felt violated and attacked but 6 years later she’s the most accepting person in my entire family.

When I came out as pansexual, my mom told me it was “a phase because you hang out with gay people,” even though she has gay friends and even went to a lesbian wedding. When I came out as androgynous and wanted to be called “Shane” and not “Sabrina”, she wouldn’t take it. I wrote on a bio that my name was “Shane”, and wanted to show it to her. Her response was, “The name’s wrong, but everything else is good.” I wanted to cry…

When I came out to my mom she was understanding but had some questions. I answered the questions and my mom told me that she loves me no matter what.

When I came out to my guy friends, they were all fine with it, some even saying that it’s “hot”. I accidentally told a female friend in maths class while talking about Billie Joe Armstrong’s bisexuality. I told her I was just joking, even though she was cool with it. When I eventually told my female friends they were a bit awkward but fine with it and the girl I accidentally told said that even before then, they all kind of suspected that I’m not straight. My mum and siblings suspect it as well, but anxiety is a b*tch.

When I came out my father said that he would love me if I fell in love with an elephant.

When I came out my parents had two different reaction: my mom told me that she already knew but my father didn’t understand me and he was very angry. Now our relationship is good but I can’t talk about this argument… I’m not very happy.

When I came out to my friend over text, I just said that I was really crushing on this one boy from our school. She didn’t hesitate at all to reply that she thought it was adorable, and that’s why I’m so glad to have friends like her in my life.