When I came out I was 16, and I told my female friend on her birthday since I wanted her to know my true “presence” as one of her “presents.” After coming out to a few more people a couple months later on National Coming Out Day (October 11th), I got the courage to submit this yearbook quote: “I started high school with straight A’s… now I’m not even straight! I’m still me, though!” I have yet to get a negative reaction, and I have come out to bunch of people at college already. (M/17/Not straight)
Story #2170
When I came out to my best friend I was so scared I was shaking. We were at school, but in different classrooms and chatting over google hangouts. We had been friends for years but I was afraid something would change when I told her. I just said, “I’m gay” and it took a couple of times for her to believe me. But once she realized I wasn’t joking or anything, she was just like “That’s okay” and it didn’t change anything. Since then I have changed labels and liked so many different people. She’s not even fazed anymore and accepts that I like who I like and it’s not a choice. (F/Bi?)
Story #2169
When I came out, I was just 15, a sophomore in high school, and had been hiding since 7th grade. I became really close to an online friend and felt she would be the best person to tell first, so I said that I had to tell her something, and her response was “You’re gay?” I spent the next few minutes deciding whether or not I really wanted to do it and eventually said yes. She was really supportive, which inspired me to come out to my irl friends, and they all said “I knew” or “I’ve been waiting for this forever!” I was overwhelmed with support and felt so happy to be able to tell them without fear. A few months later, my mom asked pretty bluntly and I just nodded. I then learned that 2 of my 3 siblings were also gay, and was so happy I had support from my family. I haven’t told my dad or extended family yet, but I plan to eventually. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2168
When I came out was very strange because I came out to my sister and I was very scared. She said, “That’s alright,” and I was like, “Wow.” She doesn’t like me that much, but she was very nice this time. I am from Poland and we have a very homophobic country and government. So now I am very happy with who I am, but sometimes is difficult. Wish me luck! ( : (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2167
When I came out it was probably the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done. I told my mom first, and she accepted me fully, but I am yet to tell her I’m Pan instead of bi. I told all of my friends next, and they were supportive too. One of them came out too later on, as a genderfluid lesbian. When I told my father, he said it was a phase, so he’s on my “Salty List” forever. On April 4, I met the most diverse, between gender and sexuality, friends anyone will ever have. They are super supportive, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. To this day, I own more than seven pride items, regardless of my dad’s opinion of me, and who I am. Stay strong my friends! (F/12/Pan/demi)
Story #2166
When I came out as asexual, it was to my upperclassman friend. She was mega supportive of me, and stopped shipping me with people, because she understood it might have made me uncomfortable. I also came out to one of my best friends and she was also supportive of me, though she was suspecting that I was ace already. I currently have a girlfriend, but am not planning to come out to anyone else any time soon~ (F/15/PanAce Aroflux)
Story #2165
When I came out to my close friends and said I wasn’t straight, they didn’t really say anything. They were like, “Alright, cool”, and one even said, “I knew it!”. But I know she was joking. Later on in the day I said that I was glad I came out, but then one of my friends said, “Yeah, it’s not that difficult, it’s just to your friend”. This make me feel very confused and insecure since I feel like she didn’t accept me for who I was. I now know I absolutely can’t tell my parents because they won’t accept me for who I am. What should I do?
Story #2164
When I came out my aunt threatened to send me to a conversion camp. My mom acted as if she supported me but something was always off about her reaction; she ended up telling the whole family, which wasn’t her responsibility. My dad heard it from my mum and tried to get me drunk so I would tell him myself; either way he wasn’t supportive. When I came out to my friends they all walked away; I was alone again. But ended up meeting my now girlfriend who loves and supports me no matter who I am. Trust me; things will get better 💖 (Non-binary/14/Lesbian)
Story #2163
When I came out it was a normal school lunch. My friend asked me what I think my sexuality is. I told her I’m not really sure but I think I’m gay. I come from a VERY accepting town (most people are LGBTQ+ or support them) and my friend already had two other gay friends so I already knew she was accepting. I felt so good about it and even told my other friends later that day. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2162
When I came out, I told my best friend while we were outside going into school in the morning. It freaked us out for 5 minutes, just saying it out loud and understanding the truth of it, but it was worth it. She’s the reason I got through fifth grade. (M/15/Gay)