When I came out to my good friend a couple months ago, at 14, I wasn’t concerned because I knew they weren’t cis or straight. It was during lockdown so one day, I just randomly texted, “you know I’m not straight, right?” They said, “yup, had a feeling” and then we talked about labels. I’m really lucky to be friends with them; we helped each other with our own identities and talk about random queer things. This is the second person I’ve come out to and am currently planning on telling my older brother (also over text) in a couple of days. Please wish me luck and know that you are loved. (F/15/Bi)
Story #2210
When I came out to my friend he immediately accepted me, and soon he told me that he was trans. It is great knowing that you have someone who understands. Coming out to him really brought us closer together and I am so happy I told him. (Non-Binary/12/Pansexual)
Story #2209
When I came out, it was more of an accident than anything. I’d had a note in my pocket that I had written to my friend, something along the lines of “I just want you to know that I’m nonbinary, specifically agender. I’d like to be called ____ and use they/them pronouns.” I’d forgotten to give it to my friend, and it was left in my pocket for my mom to find. When she was going through the laundry, she found the paper. Being her, she read it instead of asking me what it was or giving it to me, then for some reason kept the fact she’d found it a secret for about 2 weeks. Then, one day, she called me out onto the porch and asked me about it. I confessed that yes, it was true, and that was how I felt. She refused to call me my preferred name, and used they/them pronouns for about a day before going back to she/her. That was about 3 or 4 months ago, and she still calls me she/her and my deadname. (Agender/12/Panromantic/demisexual)
Story #2208
When I came out, I asked my close friend to meet me and she agreed. So I picked her up and sat in Indomart (Indonesian version of 7 Eleven). She knew that I wanted to talk about a serious matter. I couldn’t say it, so I gave her my audio recorder and I came out. She was very supportive and she also came out as bisexual. (M/18/Gay)
Story #2207
When I came out to my sister as Nonbinary, she accepted me right away and asked me for my pronouns. I told her the pronouns were they/them. She told me she could help me with the money for bottom surgery, and I’ve been thankful ever since! (Nonbinary/demiboy/12/Bisexual/pansexual/asexual)
Story #2206
When I came out I was about 14. I knew that I liked girls at the age of 12 but my family has strong religious beliefs so I knew telling them wasn’t an option. I had later decided that I was just going to disregard my attraction to girls and focus on men because at the time I thought I was bi. This was very hard on my mental health so when I was 14 I decided to tell my friends. I knew they wouldn’t care but I was just so uncomfortable talking about it that I never actually came out and said it. I just made jokes that would hint at my sexuality and I would talk about my female celebrity crushes a lot. This led to my friends asking if I was bi to which I then replied yes and they were so supportive and accepting. Now at 18 realized that I am actually gay and for the first time in my life I’m proud of it. I have yet to tell my parents but I am working on that soon. (F/18)
Story #2205
When I came out my mom looked at me and said that I’m not her daughter anymore and kicked my ass out of the house. Pls for all the closeted people pls don’t come out with homophobic parents! (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2204
When I came out I first had told my parents and friends that I was bi. But then I realized I was lesbian and bigender. So I was in the closet for a few months, and then today I told my dad and stepmom! They were fully supportive, and said that I don’t need to label myself. I’m scared to tell my mom because she thinks I’m LGBTQ+ because I think it’s “trendy” and I’m scared she might say that it’s just a phase or something. (She/they/11/Bigender and lesbian)
Story #2203
When I came out it was very tough for me and my family. Everybody I was really close with turned their backs on me. People I loved thought I was joking. They say that I don’t know what I want in my life. It hurt me so bad to hear the people I love say that. I cried for hours because I had nobody; everybody left me, which hurt me very badly, but I got through it. Now I’m stronger than ever. They helped me a lot and they will eventually come to me and we will be a happy family again. (F)
Story #2202
When I came out, it was bittersweet. My friend was fine (found out she was lesbian), but I wish I didn’t tell my parents yet. They blocked everything. Yeah, it sucks, but they took it better than I thought they would, and now I sleep a little easier. (Questioning/Bi)