When I came out it went well, I guess. I wrote my mom a card and it said, “Congratulations, 11 years ago you gave birth to a big fat lesbian!” I also wrote some rules such as “You can tell your non-homophobic coworkers,” and “You must play the supportive parent card” but the most important one to me was “No, we will not have a talk about this” but that’s exactly what she did. I think she’s still in a bit of denial, like she did say I was probably bisexual and when we played Life she made me marry a man, but other than that it went surprisingly well. (Non-binary/questioning/11/Lesbian)
Story #2067
When I came out, it was an accident. I had actually already come out to my sister and a couple close friends, but I wasn’t out to all my peers. Some kids were teasing me about how I acted gay, like usual, but this time it was really getting out of hand. One of the remarks was spewed at me was “How come you act so gay!?!” And I was so fed up at this point that I accidentally answered: “BECAUSE I AM!” (M/16/Gay)
Story #2066
When I came out, I came out to my best friends first and that changed my life because all my other mates that I told didn’t accept me, so I told my best friends and they accepted me for who I was. It turns out that my other best friend was gay as well and finally we got together, and we love each other so, so much, but I haven’t told my mum or dad yet. But I told my aunt and she is always making sure that I believe in myself and stay happy because of who I am. (F/11/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2065
When I came out I felt like the luckiest person alive as I had a lot of supportive friends and family. Unfortunately, one of my friends has been really distant with me lately. When I asked her why, she said she didn’t want me to have a crush on her so we have stopped being friends. I am very lucky to have the best parents ever. Although my dad doesn’t really get it, he still loves me. (F/Bi/lesbian)
Story #2064
When I came out, it was over FaceTime with two of my best camp friends, one gay and one straight. When I told them, my straight friend was super supportive but my gay friend seemed skeptical. When I told her I was bisexual, she asked me if I was faking it or if I was really sure, and she justified this with “I don’t really trust bi girls”. Ouch. I haven’t told anybody else.
Story #2063
When I came out, I was so scared like anyone else, but I did it. I first told my mom, who supported and still does support me. She said to be careful because of how mean people can be. But I didn’t come out to my dad; he pretty much found out. I was being bullied at school for being gay, which led to him finding out. Now I’m proud to be who I am. (M/Gay)
Story #2062
When I came out for the first time it was with my best friend. I told her that I wasn’t sure I didn’t think I was straight because I had feelings for girls. She accepted it and I can now say that I am bisexual. I have since come out to a few of my other friends and my cousins. I have also told my mum, but not my dad as he is openly homophobic and I am still trying to muster the courage to sit him down and tell him. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2061
When I came out to my best friend today, I did it over text. Because of the quarantine I won’t be able to see her for almost a month and I just couldn’t keep it in anymore. I texted her a long paragraph telling her that I’m non-binary. She was very accepting and told me she had I feeling I was. (NB/15/Bi/pan)
Story #2060
When I came out it was at church with my friend. She said to me, “I have a crush on a girl,” and I hadn’t told anyone I’ve liked girls since I knew what liking someone meant. “I’m gay,” I told her. She was so nice about it, and I have four friends who know; one is pan, one is gay, one is bi, and one is questioning. Now I have to come out to my conservative, Christian, homophobic grandmother whom I live with. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2059
When I came out to my mom she didn’t accept me. It wasn’t until after the 4th time that she realized I might not be cis and straight. After that she took me to a therapist that was going to “fix” me. I didn’t realize and thought she was trying to help so I told him all my secrets. Later I found out he repeated it all to my mom and homophobic family. When I came home my dad slapped me and I called my best friend. She hugged me and helped me come out to our friend group. I also found out my crush is pan so I might have a chance with them! (Genderfluid/14/Pan)