Story #176

When I came out to my grandmother as bisexual, she was immediately supportive, asking me if I was dating an out lesbian friend of mine (I wished!) and otherwise leaving it be. Years later, she called me crying about the end of a secret decades-long lesbian relationship with her best friend because she had no one else in the family to talk to. I’m happily married to a man today, but I’m still out because the chance to be supportive is never irrelevant.

Story #175

When I came out, my parents–especially my Dad–had a difficult time. My father had taken care of my cousin who was dying of AIDS in the late ’80s, and years later, I think this was still running through his head. He quickly grew to accept and support me and my boyfriend…now husband.

Story #174

When I came out, my mother asked, “You’re not going to start acting weird now, are you?” I’ve always been an odd person, both in and out of the closet, rarely concerned with fitting in or how I might be perceived. I replied, “Um… mom? Have we met!?”

Story #173

When I came out I told my mother while shopping at a clothing store. I didn’t want a scene and she is not the type to bring attention to herself like that. Her response was, “Let’s get to the car so I can cry.” 7 years on and we still rarely/never talk about it. We don’t go shopping anymore either.

Story #172

When I came out, I was standing with my new college best friend on the porch of a dorm. We had just come from our friends’ party and were completely hammered. Suddenly the words just left my mouth. He laughed, hugged me, and said, “Dude, I don’t give a sh*t.”

Story #169

When I came out to a friend over dinner, I said, “I’ve got something to tell you, I’m -“. I broke down; I couldn’t get it out. He broke down. Eventually, I recovered and said, “I’m gay.” He said, “Thank God, I thought you were going say you’re dying.” We both laugh about it now.

Story #168

When I came out, the only person that gave me grief for it was the priest at my Catholic school. It’s been a year since that, and he’s finally accepted me for who I am.

Story #167

When I “came out” to my mom, it was at her funeral. One of her close friends came up to me after the service and told me discreetly and with affection that mothers always had love for their “special” children. She wanted me to know that my mother knew, and that she loved me. I wish I’d had the chance to tell her…