When I came out as bisexual (biromantic asexual, to be specific) to my best friend in middle school, she immediately grimaced and then later left my house crying; she proceeded to block me on all social media and avoided me entirely. It hurt and made it hard for me to continue to explore my identity, but I have tried out and landed on other labels since then (trans, gray-asexual, and panromantic), and, fortunately, coming out to loved ones in the future has (mostly) gone far, far better. I now have a close group of friends that are all queer, a nonbinary partner that I love deeply and that deeply loves me, and a family that supports me completely even if they don’t always understand. It can get better; there are people out there that will love you for your whole self, so find them, or let them find you. Love and acceptance is possible, finding those like you is inevitable, and feeling truly cherished is beautiful. (M/21/Transgender/queer)
Story #2230
When I came out I started looking up coming out stories. This was at the beginning of the year and I realized that I like both women and guys and I find some guys very attractive and wanted to date a guy and be with one and experience all the things that being with a guy entails. I started telling some close friends that I recently realized I’m bisexual and they couldn’t be more accepting of me, and I told them I was gonna tell my parents but I was freaked out to tell them. They told me that they knew my parents would be accepting of this, but I was still terrified to tell them, so I wrote them a letter explaining how I realized I was bisexual and it’s not a phase or something I can change. They both read it and accept me. I’ve told a lot of my cousins and friends and they all accept me. I haven’t been happier accepting I’m bisexual. (M/32/Bisexual)
Story #2229
When I came out I was in math class. I had gone to turn something in, so I was out of my seat, when I came back my best friend (who is bi) was saying how she sits next to two straight people. I said, “I’m offended,” and then sat down. The person sitting next to me said, “Wait, why?” I commented, “Because I’m not.” (F/13/Questioning)
Story #2228
When I came out it was a few months ago now and I left home due to it and got hated on and misgendered, but now a few months later I got my first binder and I’m doing better. I just had to give everyone a bit of time to adjust. In a week I should be getting my name and pronouns changed at school, yay! 🙂 (He/they/14/FtM)
Story #2227
When I came out to my parents they accepted me, but it’s hard to tell now because they won’t use my correct pronouns. My mom even told me that it will take her time because she always knew me as her daughter. I told her I understood. That was at Thanksgiving of last year, but now both of my parents still misgender me. It hurts like hell. I don’t know how to tell them that whenever they use she/her I die a little inside each day, my depression and dysphoria gets worse and worse, and I think my parents don’t understand I am trying to be strong but it just hurts so much. (FtM/36/Trans man/gay)
Story #2226
When I came out to my best friend it was right after he hit on me and said he liked me. I was so scared but then he told me he was bi. Now I have a beautiful trans girlfriend and my friend has a boyfriend! (F/12/Pan)
Story #2225
When I came out as trans/non-binary my dad forced me to explain to my whole family (mother, sister, him) and they didn’t quite react how I had hoped. They didn’t really believe me and thought that I was being influenced by my friends and the internet, and that hurt a lot. But it’s been a couple years and things are really improving for me! (Non-binary/Bisexual)
Story #2224
When I came out I was just 11. I came out to a friend and they were super supportive. I was planning to come out in June, but it came out early. It was by email and I was super worried they would be homophobic or not supportive at all, but I was wrong. Remember, you’re never alone. (F/11/Pansexual)
Story #2223
When I came out, I was 16. I was with my boyfriend at that time. I was having weird feelings towards his sister; I was crushing hard on her. I finally told my boyfriend at that time I was in love with his sister. He understood. We have been together for 6 years and counting. We are getting married next fall. (F/22/Bi)
Story #2222
When I came out as pansexual I did it to my mom as “I’m gay but kinda not.” She says it’s OK but she’s homophobic in reality. I don’t use feminine stuff but just even a ring pisses her off. Luckily I’ve got a supportive sister and friend instead and that’s all I need! ×) (M/Pansexual)