When I Came Out

When I came out to my best friend, she told me she was fine with it. A week later, she just stopped talking to me.

When I came out, my parents implied that the only reason I was asexual was to “fit in” with people who thought it was “cool” to not be straight. I hope they’ll see sense one day.

When I came out… I didn’t come out. I was outed by my high school vice-principal, first to my mom, then to the entire student body.

When I came out, I posted a big post on facebook saying how I was still the same guy everyone knows, just that I like guys. Then I waited and saw the “likes” and support comments pour in. It didn’t hit me until my mother texted me “I love you” how free I am.

When I came out my mother was furious. She refused to believe that it was not a phase and that I was in fact a gay man. After the fury subsided, she then expressed her concern over the hardships she knew I would face in the world, to my surprise. Later on, my family would soon grow to realize that I am still the same person, but I just love the same sex.

When I came out my mother said she would have shot herself in the head if she didn’t have God. What followed were years of religious therapy and psychological counseling. The bright side? I am still really gay, and I found a group of friends that became my family. Never surrender who you are.

When I came out, my parents were horrified and threatened to disown me if I didn’t get reorientation counseling. 12 years later, my mother called me up to say she fully supports my decision and is happy with having a gay son. It was worth the wait.

When I came out, my brother told me he still loved me, but he was a Republican and wasn’t marching in any damn parades. Then he proceeded to ask me about the hot girls I hooked up with.

When I came out to my mom, she was more excited to meet my girlfriend than anything.

When I came out, it was first in an email to my best friend while she was in the Peace Corps. Her response was surprised and upset. She thought while she was in a different country, she’d missed my coming out.