When I came out was only recently but I have always known I was gay. Sometimes deep down denial but always obvious to me — gay porn and gay sex kind of was convincing. Anyways, coming out slowly to my trusted friends was wonderful. But coming out to myself was first the most important step. If you are struggling, first ask yourself, can I come out to myself? Then everything else will follow. Peace and love. (M/57/Gay)
Story #2330
When I came out I basically wrote a note saying to a girl who had a crush on me. I remember exactly what I wrote: “I’m sorry but I’m not interested in you, nothing personal. I think I am gay because I kinda have a crush on the new kid in science class.” After she read it, she came up to me and said, “It’s ok, I support you.” I felt really relieved! (M/Gay)
Story #2329
When I came out I was about 7 years old and did not know what transgender was. I had short hair and lived in Wisconsin. I was mistaken for a boy very often, even on an all girls soccer team. Basically I told my mom that when people thought I was a boy I would just go along with it and say yes I was a boy. We were moving from Wisconsin to Missouri at the time, both not good spots for a trans kid. But my mom asked me my new name and everyone at my new school had no idea I was not cis. I only stayed in Missouri for a year than we moved to Minnesota, and here it is much better for me to be me! (M/11/Omnisexual/transgender)
Story #2328
When I came out I was 14 and I was at camp. I really liked this one boy named Paul. I found myself watching Paul quite a bit, and a few times he caught me looking at him. One day I found myself alone outside with Paul and he approached me and asked why I was looking at him. Before I knew it, I said that I liked him and that I was gay. That was the best summer of my life. (M/30/Gay)
Story #2327
When I came out I was terribly worried, it was winter and I caught my mom having a break for a cigarette outside. I told her that I was gay (lesbian, I suppose) and she told me lovingly that she understood; she was bisexual, after all. I felt seen, I felt loved. Most of my life the focus has been on other people, so when I have time to look into myself I saw that while I had a strong preference for women I would love whoever I felt comfortable with, and in turn I started changing the way I saw myself: maybe “woman” wasn’t such a good fit. I found a partner about three years ago, and we’ve been transitioning together. He’s the love of my life, and I adore hearing how excited he is and how accepting the people around him are, and I am overjoyed that my own family is fine with my new chosen name and my pronouns. (Demigirl/18)
Story #2326
When I came out it took a while for my mom to understand, but once she did, she was supportive. Not only that, but she found out that she’s aroace too! Small world… (F/18/Aroace)
Story #2325
When I came out, it was more of an impromptu thing. My friend whom I previously told convinced me to tell my favorite teachers so I wouldn’t be deadnamed by them. They stood by me the whole time for comfort and now I have two teachers on my side 🙂 I have some other supportive friends, and they use my new name and pronouns, which is so liberating. My family is not supportive, so transitioning isn’t possible yet. Facing lots of self doubts but excited to become myself finally. (FtM/17/Bi)
Story #2324
When I came out, it was a year ago to my best friend. I said, “ok, I’m bi but minus the guy.” It was so much easier than saying I am a lesbian. We chatted for three hours about it and she helped give me confidence. A few months later I told my family…. Boy, I wish I hadn’t done that. My dad accepted me but kept teasing me about it, and my mother said it would be best if I didn’t tell anyone and that who you love changes over time. It was really difficult time, but my mum has her reasons for not being too pleased. Anyway, from now on I try and help people I know with being honest about their sexuality and identity! (F/15/Lesbian question asexual)
Story #2323
When I came out I was 25 years old and had just broke up with what was to be my last boyfriend (I tried so hard to be straight for so long). I had just felt so unhappy that one day I had a conversation with myself: “You’re not happy and you could be. I’m gay.” A week later I came out to friends and family and haven’t looked back. (F/30/Gay/lesbian)
Story #2322
When I came out it was honestly out of nowhere. I just wore lots of rainbow to school on pride month one day, and when my sister came home she saw me wearing it, so I just decided to come out to her that I was bi. I was really scared that she would go running telling everyone else but she didn’t. She was honestly very happy for me and happy that I told her first. I was so relieved 😅🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 (Genderfluid/Bisexual)