When I came out to one of my football teammates, it was “Oktoberfest” at our sportsclub. And nearly the whole team was present; we were drinking, and then we all ended up in one of the changing rooms. We had a lot of fun, and then I suddenly had a serious talk with one of them, and that was the moment when she asked me: “Do you like boys or girls more?” And I said girls and everything was fine and I felt a lot relieved. (23/Lesbian)
Story #2396
When I came out, I was already 41. My family has always known me to be boy crazy, so telling them I also liked women was incredibly shocking. I told them I wanted to live my life authentically, which meant dating someone that I matched with regardless of how they identify. They have been supportive, but it would have been so much harder if I didn’t have the support of my closest friends. (F/41/Bisexual)
Story #2395
When I came out it was in July 1992. I was 17 years old and I told a school friend, and he told me he was gay as well. We remained friends until life took another direction for him. I am now 47 years old. I have been single all my life and I’m still on a journey to accept myself and feel that it’s fine to be gay. My first crush was Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz in 1981 and Christopher Reeve in Superman 2 . I still have hope that one day I will meet a soul mate and he will be my Superman. (M/47/Gay)
Story #2394
When I came out, I got up super early for a teenager and nervously asked my mom if we could chat. She was like, “Oh no, are you pregnant?” I started laughing and was like, “Umm the opposite, I like girls”. My mom laughed and stated, “You made a big deal out of that? Your father and I kind of figured that out a while ago that you probably liked girls as well. What do you want for dinner tonight?”
Story #2393
When I came out I sent a text message to my best friend. She was really accepting, and I’m so grateful. I haven’t come out to anyone else yet, but I want to tell my parents so I can transition, hopefully soon. You are worthy and valid and you can come out and be the person you want to be, no matter what they say. Trust me, it’s liberating! 🏳️⚧️❤️ (F/14/Trans woman)
Story #2392
When I came out, I came out to my old friend who had moved away over text, when I was eleven. I came out to her only as ace not les but I want to. I still have not come out to my parents even though that was many years ago. I also might come out to some of my other friends on national coming out day, which is not too far away. (F/Ace/lesbian)
Story #2391
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)