When I came out I was 11 and my dad had just found out about how I was self-harming. He was bringing me a towel after my shower and accidentally saw everything. I broke down, and he asked me why I was doing this. At the time, I was out as non-binary, but I told him I was a boy. My dad was very accepting, which made sense. I wasn’t scared to come out to my mom, since she’s a lesbian. How that went was, “Mom, I’m transgender,” and “Okay, what does that mean for you?” Then I flip-flopped between omnisexual, bisexual, and gay/mlm until eventually settling on gay. I’m out to everyone and am happier than ever. (M/FtM/14/Gay/mlm)
Story #2390
When I came out I was 13 years old. I had told my parents, and my dad just ignored it but my mom started yelling and asking questions that were none of her business and made me extremely uncomfortable (at the time I came out as bisexual). I’ve never thought about myself as a girl; I just saw me as I was, and it wasn’t until puberty I realized I wasn’t a girl. I didn’t like anything; my long hair was a bother and seemingly the only thing people liked about me. I just disliked the whole female anatomy and puberty. I really am a boy. Up until this day I still haven’t told my Christian parents after the last time, and I’m still bothered by it, because my younger sister came out as lesbian two years later and my parents were fine with it. Now only my friends call me by my name and correct pronouns and they help me a lot, so I’m grateful for that. I hope that one day I’ll be exactly how I see myself. (Male [FtM]/16/Pansexual)
Story #2389
When I came out I was 13. I came out to my best friend of almost 10 years over discord. I said – Just so u know, i’m bi, ur the first person I told. He texted me back about half an hour later saying – proud of you for having courage to tell someone, even if it’s only me. One of the best things ever. You don’t have to come out to your parents first. It doesn’t even have to be someone you know. Maybe text your number neighbor? Their reaction can fill you with the bravery to tell your parents or a friend. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #2388
When I came out at 13 my brother and my cousin were the first people I told. My mom didn’t believe me at first. We were arguing in my room about something really stupid and she said, “Once you get a husband…” and I was so full of that husband and boyfriend thing so I shouted back, “What if I will have a girlfriend?” And she looked at me shockingly and then said, “What do you mean?” So I explained to her that I am bi but she didn’t believe me because she thought it’s just a phase and because it’s “trendy”. In the next 2 years I came out twice more but whenever we start that talk she pretends like she doesn’t care and is kind of supporting but I know that she secretly hopes it’s just a phase. I am pan now but I tell her I am bi cuz it’s easier to explain lol. (F/16/Pansexual)
Story #2387
When I came out I was 13. My friend and I were playing truth or dare and she asked me if I could date anyone in our school who would it be? I answered by telling her that I was Asexual Grey Panromantic. She was cool with it and just asked me what that is. After I told her she proceeded to tell me about her lesbian friend, so I don’t think she completely understood. I haven’t told anyone else yet. I am also yet to come out as genderfluid. I think my family will take it well because I have a gay uncle and a trans uncle too. (Genderfluid/13/Asexual grey panromantic)
Story #2386
When I came out my friends were joking around, guessing who they thought would be a top/bottom. They got around to guessing me and I said, “How about neither?” and that was how I came out as ace 🙂
Story #2385
When I came out I was 13. I texted my friend, telling him that I was gay, and I remember just hoping and praying for a good reaction because I was drowning in internalized homophobia and just wanted someone to tell me it was okay. Now I’m out to a total of 5 people and will be out to my parents soon. (Gender non-conforming woman/15/Gay/lesbian)
Story #2384
When I came out to my friends they all asked what it meant, and after I explained what aro/ace is and what it means, they didn’t make a big deal about it, they just shrugged their shoulders and said “okay”. I don’t know why but that felt like the best outcome I could’ve gotten: no denial, no overflowing support. It felt absolutely wonderful when it happened, because that’s how I thought of it in my head. Jump out of your shell if you are under 14, because as long as you aren’t in the popular group, it will work out fine. (M/13/Ace)
Story #2383
When I came out I thought I was bisexual, but I was wrong. Later I found out I was non-binary after being called girl too much; I tried he/him pronouns, but didn’t like them, so I used they/them and loved it. After I found out I was asexual, then aromantic, but that’s half wrong. Now, I’ve developed a crush on my friend after us being friends for a while. I have only told my cousins this, all of this. I don’t know how to tell others about me being demiromantic after thinking I’m aromantic for a full year, and I’m questioning if this friend will find out it’s them, so for now it’s just with my cousins. (Enby/14/Demiromantic Asexual)
Story #2382
When I came out, I had written a letter to my mom and she showed it to my dad. Then we had a long talk about puberty and stuff and I guess they were supportive, but later my mom said some pretty nasty things about being non-binary, but I think she’ll get over it. Someday, she will be okay with my identity. (Non-binary/11)