When I Came Out

When I came out, I was 14. I told one of my best friends at school that I had big news, that I am a lesbian. She just said, “Okay,” like it didn’t matter, and then, “So what’s the big news?” I was so happy by how she took it I started crying and gave her a hug. The next day I told another friend, and within two months every single one of my friends had accepted it and still love me for who I am.

When I came out to an extremely conservative friend I was really terrified of her possible reaction. But when I told her, she got really embarrassed and she said that she was sorry if she had ever said any homophobic comments. 5 months after, she admits that I changed her mind and she’s got another point of view now.

When I came out to one of my best friends, he just listened silently and then he said, “Well, I guess you’re not going to like the Playboy magazine we bought you for your birthday.” Then I laughed and hugged him.

When I came out, I was so terrified that I had my best friend with me holding my hand while I was coming out to my father over the phone (I live in a different state). He was silent for a second, and told me it didn’t change a thing, that he loved me, and that he was glad that I trusted him enough to tell him. He even apologized to me in case he had ever said something that made me afraid to come out to him.

When I came out, it was to a friend I trusted. We were at an athletics stadium. My friend and I went alone to do long jump, when I cornered her, and I simply told her: “I’m bi.” She asked me what it meant and I told her. For a minute, she just stood there; it was the scariest minute ever. She then told me it’s ok, and asked who and I told her, and she said she was still my friend and would never leave me.

When I came out, my brother was visiting me in college and we hadn’t seen each other in a long time. I wasn’t planning on saying it but the timing felt right, and it was at night and we were watching “The Shining.” He stopped the movie, went to the cabinet and my kitchen and popped a bottle of champagne. He was ecstatic. He said he thought I might be, but he didn’t want to confront me before I was ready. We spent the whole night talking about me being gay, and he asked if there was anyone I had my eyes on, and how great it was that I was happy and how happy he was for it. Now here we are, 6 years later, and he’s agreed to be the best man at my wedding.

When I came out, I cried, and my best friend told me not to dare think there is anything wrong with it. I owe him so much because he helped me tell my family and he helped my boyfriend pick out an engagement ring for me. Christian, thank you.

When I came out I was terrified. I dreaded coming out for years and I didn’t do it until I was 24. I’m now out to my family and friends and everyone’s been so supportive. No matter how down you may feel at times, it always gets better!

When I came out to my best friend, he thought I was making a prank. We spent a half hour playing pool and discussing if I was really gay. After a week, he accepted that I liked guys and now we are the same friends as before.

When I came out completely to my parents, my dad name called me and kicked me out of the house for a month during March break 2012. I was in college at the time and it was one of the most difficult times of my life knowing my father didn’t accept me for me. I felt my heart break for the first time, but his comments he made. Luckily I had a great circle of friends and family outside of my family of origin who took me in. Things have changed now; we talk and I have learned a lot about myself… things get better (: