When I came out, I don’t think I entirely did it intentionally. Which, yes, in retrospect is absolutely hilarious. And at that point, I think my mom might have already known. I started out thinking that I was cis; as years went on, though, my views changed, and I thought I might be nonbinary. And then, I realized I prefer male pronouns, and wanted to be comfortable in my own body! One day, I was just in the car, and I just sort of said it to my mom. I don’t really have any preferred names right now, and she was a bit confused by that. I’m still on the road to figuring myself out, but it’s getting easier every day! Thank you for listening 🙂 (Male [FtM]/12/Bisexual)
Story #2310
When I came out it was hard. I came out to my friends first when I was fourteen. It was difficult and I only came out to my friends who were allies and I knew wouldn’t judge me. I still haven’t come out to my parents. They’re not accepting of the lgbtq+ at all and honestly I’m terrified of what going to happen. I know I’ll do it soon but it’s scary. I have some really supportive friends who have made my life easier. I know they’ll have my back and that makes me feel better when I think about it. (Genderfluid/18/Pansexual)
Story #2309
When I came out I wrote a message to share with close friends and family first via text while I was on vacation for a week. Soon after, I posted my message to facebook for everyone to see. It was easier for me to come out all at once than having to deal with coming out to each person in my life, plus doing it while I was away gave time for people to digest it before facing them. This way may not be right for everyone, but there was a ton of relief in pulling the band-aid off all at once, especially for someone like myself who isn’t the most emotionally forthcoming. I had some really great conversations with the people after I posted it, and have never felt better. (M/25)
Story #2308
When I came out to my friends as bi they were very supportive, but when I realized I was a lesbian they were even more supportive and sent me suggestions of tv shows with lesbian characters in them. My parents said they would love me no matter what and my mom bought me a book and my dad told me funny stories about dating girls. I haven’t come out to my class yet and I want to, but not right now. I’m really lucky to have such supportive people surrounding me. If you don’t have this: I love you, no matter what! ❤️️🧡💛💚💙🏳️🌈 (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2307
When I came out I had been questioning my gender identity for a long time. I was born a girl but never connected with it. People always thought of me as a lesbian tomboy and nothing more but when I learned about being trans and what it was I realized that I wasn’t a girl. However I was still very confused and scared so instead of making the jump to being a trans guy I waited and stuck with the term non-binary (but as you can tell it wasn’t the right fit). After a lot of thought I came out to my parents over dinner. I was nervous even though it was my third time. Overall I have been accepted by my family and friends. Along with this hope to take steps to medically transition. (M/13/Trans (FtM)/straight? bi?)
Story #2306
When I came out I had told some of my close friends first. They are part of the LGBTQ+ community, so they were very happy for me. I still have yet to tell my mom and dad. I hope they will be accepting for who I am. (F/15/Bi)
Story #2305
When I came out it was a long process. It took me by surprise during a stressful time (exam season). I told a few people and then a few more people over a couple years, but it took me until coming to university to tell those close to me. I did it via social media, fell asleep, and then saw that everyone accepted me for me and I did not have to worry about anything anymore. I knew that those who I told would not think anything less of me, yet I still found it hard, which is why it was a long process but I think a good thing once I had done it. (F/20/Bisexual)
Story #2304
When I came out to my mum it was kind of an accident. Earlier that day I was walking with my friend at the park when we saw someone (let’s call him S). S is very homophobic and we don’t really like him. We saw a few other people who we knew with S, and one of them shouted to us, “S likes you, by the way!” We weren’t sure if she was talking about me or my friend. So I tell the story to my mum, and she laughs and says, “Well, if she was talking about you, I don’t think the relationship would work out since he’s homophobic and you’re—” She paused. I don’t know why but I blurted out “omnisexual.” I panicked since I had just outed myself to my own mother, and she said, “Is that a new sexuality?” I responded, “Yes, it’s when you like all genders.” “Oh, okay!” she says. Then we laughed about how awkward the relationship between me & S would be.
Story #2303
When I came out it was to a stranger online. I had been questioning my sexuality and gender for a while. I had no idea what being gay was at all; I didn’t understand it. I was explained what it was with a stranger online on Discord. It was eye opening and honestly I’m so thankful to that stranger. I had first thought I was bi but turns out I’m abrosexual and genderfluid. (Genderfluid/Abrosexual)
Story #2302
When I first came out to my best friend it was pretty weird. I told her about sexual and romantic attractions and gender (I don’t know why then) and told her about my identity. She was a little confused and we played with some toys. Last week she gave me an invitation for her birthday and she said she made it in the colours of the non binary flag on purpose! I didn’t told her about my preferred name and pronouns (there isn’t something like “they/them” in my country so it’s pretty hard) though. But today I told a girl in my swim team my preferred name and pronouns ( I just use Q/Q’s); she was the first ever to ask me my pronouns! I was sooo happy! (NB/agender/12/Questioning)