When I came out, me and my older cousin, who was also closeted, decided to come out at the same time. We went to the family room and I told my family that I was pansexual and they accepted me. My cousin, on the other hand, was faced with discrimination and disgust, for they came out as non-binary. My family erupted in an argument and after a few weeks, my older cousin came to live with us. Now, me and my cousin spend every single day together and enjoy each other’s company. (M/12/Pansexual)
Story #2610
When I came out, I was turning 14. I asked my parents if we could attend a Pride event, but my parents looked at me as if I was crazy. They were like: “Oh, that’s a horrible thing to attend.” And my uncle, who was listening, said: “What in the world are you thinking? That is a parade of sins!” I was heartbroken and I sort of disconnected myself from my family until my parents moved me to my aunt’s house for ‘personal reasons’. There, I was showered with love and acceptance and my aunt bought me my flag, which was the lesbian flag, and she even took me to local Pride events. This June, we’re going to attend a Pride Dance at the country club in my neighborhood. Sadly, next year will be my last year with my aunt because I’m moving back. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2609
When I came out, it was to my grandpa. We were watching some cheesy comedy show until my grandpa paused the TV and asked me if I was gay. I looked at my grandpa and my heart was going a hundred beats a second. I somehow managed to tell my grandpa that I was bisexual. He looked at me and said that was OK by him and he’ll love me no matter what. (M/15/Bisexual)
Story #2608
When I came out I was still struggling with internalized homophobia. I wrote my mom a letter, explaining that I like girls, and when she finished reading it, she hugged me. Then she said “Honey, this is how you were born, and I love you for it.” I know not everybody has an easy time, but her reaction helped me to come out to the rest of my family. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2607
When I came out, life was terribly hard. I told my parents I was lesbian and they completely did not like it. They’ll purposely talk bad about me and I felt heartbroken. My best friend outed me after she discovered my journal and exposed me. Now, everyday and everywhere, I feel like I don’t belong and it just makes me feel sad. The only one who accepted me was my older brother who lives four hours away. But, two more years and I’ll be able to move away and enjoy being me. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2606
When I came out I was in 7th grade. I have never been the best at communicating but I somehow managed to build enough confidence to write a paper to my mom saying I was a lesbian. When I came home she was mad that I didn’t tell her in person. She said she was supportive but it didn’t feel like it. Then I came out to her again this year as pan, poly, and non-binary. She is fine and supportive with everything but me being poly. She says it’s disgraceful to be poly. (Non-binary/16/Pan and poly)
Story #2605
When I came out to my best friend I was so afraid because she is a very strong homophobic. I came out over text not wanting to see her disgusted face if I told her in person. She texted back and told me she loves and supports me and I cried lol I love her so much ❤️❤️ She’s also now figuring out her own identity as an asexual 💜💜 (F/Lesbian)
Story #2604
When I came out to my best friend it was mainly to ask their advice about wearing a binder safely. I trusted they’d provide a safe space for me without judgment, but because I was only just starting to really explore and admit these feelings to myself, I had convinced myself I’d never be believed; that I must be some kind of imposter because I’ve always presented so femme. Since then I’ve come out to one more friend as well, and both of them have stunned me with how affirming they were — it seems they knew before I even really did! I feel like it’s enough for me to have their support for now — I can wait before coming out to more difficult people such as my family, it just means the world to me to have one or two friends who truly support me expressing and exploring my gender fluidity. (AFAB/29/Bi/pan)
Story #2603
When I came out I was 15 and terrified. I realized I liked girls somewhere around sixth grade, and I just couldn’t tell my mom. We were really close because I’m an only child and my dad left when I was two. In my freshman year of high school, I knew I had to tell her because it was impacting our relationship, and killing me to be keeping something from her. I just told her my crush’s name the next time she asked and she said, “I know, hon, it’s fine. What do you think of my boyfriend?” Her boyfriend is the best, and trust me, it does get better! (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2602
When I came out… I always thought I was gay but something else was bugging me. Everyone knew I was gay and just paid it no mind. After hours of research, I found a sexuality I could nestle onto for a while: aroace. I don’t know how to come out to people or even my Christian parents. Wish someone could help. I have a gay gang but I don’t know what to do. I build relationships on mutual love (such as trust, love and respect) and whatnot. I prefer men, but there’s always a lot more to research. (Demiboy/13/Aroace)