When I came out, I was 13/14 at the time. I came out to my best friend and this girl I had a crush on by pointing out a flag and asking if my BFF knew what flag it was. I came out as Pan at the time. At 16, however, I considered myself queer because I couldn’t tell if I liked men, then bi because it felt more binary and more accurate; I still question if I like men. What made me realise I was probably gay was from as young as 8, I used to love jade west and still do; I remember listing all the qualities I thought was “pretty”; I also remember specifically liking Belle, cuz again, “pretty”. (F/20/Bi/queer)
Story #2691
When I came out as a lesbian I was 11. My family kinda thought it was a phase. My friends were super supportive, but then I ended up moving. Right now I live in a super homophobic state, but I didn’t know that when I moved here. I get remarks weekly about how being lesbian is sinful and unnatural. I have a couple friends who I’m out as genderfluid to, and they’re pretty supportive, but I’m scared to come out publicly. To everyone who is thinking of coming out, I send you love ❤️ (Genderfluid/13/Lesbian)
Story #2690
When I came out, I told my mom I had something to tell her while we were at a restaurant. I got nervous and waited until we got home. There, I texted her three words. “I like women.” And the only she said is “that’s okay.” Afterwards, she hugged me and told me she would always love me no matter what. I still haven’t told my dad, who’s very religious and right-wing. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2689
When I came out as non-binary to my friend, I was dripping with anxiety; when they came out to me, I shined with joy and comfort. Finally, someone who was going through the same thing as me. Finally, someone who understood. They’re still my best friend 😀 (Non-binary/20)
Story #2688
When I came out in 4th grade, I came out to my parents (as pan), or rather, my mom found out. I had my lockscreen set to somthing like “this user is pan” and she was super supportive! My dad, on the other hand, was a bit harder to talk to because my grandparents on his side were very conservative. When I did, it was super scary but it went better than I expected. He was supportive but he didn’t understand it, and still doesn’t. Since then I discovered that I am multigender, polysexual, and will use she/they/xe/ze/nova pronouns. I am hoping to come out to them for pride month!! (Multigender/13/Polysexual)
Story #2687
When I came out I wasn’t exactly sure I was Bi because I liked boys before but I have a crush on my best friend. I came out to my friend and then my mom. They were both supportive. I’ve been thinking about if maybe I’m demigirl but I still don’t know. For anyone coming out, good luck and I hope you are supported. (F/12/Bi/demigirl?)
Story #2686
When I came out I was 16 and in the talking stage with a girl. I couldn’t hold it in any more, so I spilled my secret to my sister, then to my mom and my brother. Honestly, it was a weight off my chest and it’s nice to know I can trust them. (F/19/Lesbian)
Story #2685
When I came out as lesbian it was about 6 months ago, but I had known I liked girls way before that. First I came out to my best friend, who was really nice about it, and we were talking about crushes and we both just blurted we had a crush on each other. It was awkward for like a day but then things went back to normal. When I came out to my mom as lesbian it wasn’t too long after I came out to my best friend, and I was so scared so decided to write it down and give the note to her. She was surprised but supportive, but I haven’t come out as nonbinary yet to anyone. (Nonbinary/12/Lesbian)
Story #2684
When I came out, it was tough for not only me, but my family as well. We were a very strict and religious household and my parents firmly believe that heterosexuality is the only sexuality that is deemed good. A couple hours after I came home from school, me and my family were eating dinner when my dad brought up politics, which he normally does as a lawyer, and I blurted out my bisexuality and non-binary identity. My mom looked at me as if I was crazy and my dad dramatically let out a groan. We haven’t talked since, but it feels a bit relieving that I’m out. (Non-binary/15/Bisexual)
Story #2683
When I came out to my mother, the conversation went on over a multiple years. The first time I came out, she had hugged me all very suddenly and asked if I was gay. I whispered that I was bi. She didn’t understand what that was and I explained it. We didn’t talk about until the next time. I asked her after a meal if she remembered what we talked about. She replied yes. The conversation went on for a couple more minutes. I made a joke as the conversation was ending: “At least you’re not telling me it’s a phase.” She went on to talk about how she does think it’s a phase, making comments about how since she went to a girls only school, it is normal to feel crushes on the older girls because you look up to them but that it would go away after a while. I didn’t want to unpack that. I simply asked if the grandparents would ever accept me. I was given a resounding no. (F/Bi)