When I Came Out

When I came out to my cousin she said, “Phew, that obviously means Emily is not pregnant.” I had to go to the rest of my family and explain that I was gay, and not interested in getting my best friend pregnant.

When I came out to my boyfriend, he smiled and kissed my forehead. “You are a beautiful person, no matter who you’re attracted to. I’m glad you picked me.”

When I came out to my family, I did it by e-mail. I don’t know why I was so scared; my parents have always been there for me and still are!

When I came out I was scared that people wouldn’t accept me and that I would lose people close to me. In retrospect, the opposite happened. I am closer to people now than I have been my entire life.

When I came out to my high school friend, she came out to me, too!

When I came out to my brother, he celebrated: We could now discuss topics including “hot girls.”

When I came out to my mother, she told me she wished I wasn’t, because she wanted me to live a happy life. I am happy, mom. I would never want to live a lie.

When I came out to my parents I wrote them a three-page letter explaining my hidden “gay” life to them. My dad still won’t talk to me like he did before I sent the letter. It breaks my heart because I love him so much, but I love my girlfriend just as much if not more.

When I came out to my high school friends (during college) they all thought I was lying. It is three years later and they all still think it is a phase.

When I came out, I realized what disappointment looked like on a person’s face. My mom’s. Today… we’re still working through it.