When I came out, I was sitting in church at a Christian youth camp together with a friend. My sexuality had been on my mind for most of the week and at a certain moment I couldn’t hold it in any longer; after the service I asked my friend for a hug and broke down crying. In tears, I told her that I thought I might be into girls and she reacted very positively. I repeated this the next day with a guy I had met on that camp, who then came out to me as well! It was a great relief to finally be able to talk about it, especially with someone who was in the same boat as me. (F/19/Bi)
Story #1994
When I came out it was kinda awkward because I was just telling my friend stuff and eventually they wanted to talk about crushes. I just wanted to spill the beans. It gets so tiring at a point. Anyway, they talked about their crush and then I told mine, who’s the same gender as mine assigned because I’m not out genderly(??) and they were pretty surprised. Supportive though 🙂 (NB/15/Demi)
Story #1993
When I came out, I cried. It has always been something I’ve held close to my chest, and to tell someone something I had considered wrong and taboo was terrifying as much as it was freeing. I came out to my good friend, and then my little sister, then my friends, and recently my school and my mother. I’m just waiting for my father to figure it out at this point, and it’s terrifying. However, I’ll never regret accepting myself for who I am and trying to be happy. (M/18/Transgender FtM)
Story #1992
When I came out it was at pride and I was scared sh*tless. I first came out to my best friend over text and she was extremely supportive. I have lots of other LGBTQ+ friends and when I told them to refer to me as they/them they were all supportive. I have yet to come out to my family and other friends, and I am scared sh*tless to do so. I just hope that they have the same response as my friends. I don’t think my parents know/believe in being NB so I hope that I can stay sane as they refer to me as she/her for the time being. (Non-binary/14/Bisexual)
Story #1991
When I came out, or rather was outed, I was 19 and having the time of my life with my first girlfriend in Miami. I was in college at the time and basically skipped town to spend time with her, and I tweeted how happy I was with my girlfriend and sharing moments of our time together. My mom (who lived in California at the time) logged into my account and saw everything — a complete invasion of my privacy, violation of boundaries and trust. My family is super homophobic so of course I never told them about the happiness and love I’d found. She called me to tell me she knew where I was at, who I was with, and informed me she knew about my sexuality. The fact that she took that opportunity from me and contributed to years of shame and guilt was unforgivable tbh. Eight years have passed and I haven’t been in a relationship since. Finally at a point in my life where I couldn’t give a single solitary f*ck and will love and be with who I choose no matter who likes it. Not compromising my happiness and emotional / mental health for anybody any longer. (GNC/27/Lesbian)
Story #1990
When I came out I was 27 and in an online long-distance relationship with a man whom I was about to meet for the first time in two years (no video chat back then). Feeling confused and trapped at the thought of an IRL interaction, I first told my counselor (who is lesbian) hoping she would help me figure out what was wrong with me but surprisingly, she mocked me. So, upon the return of a blunderingly exhausting trip of avoiding his advances in every way and once again being able to hide behind the safety of my computer monitor, I ungracefully told him that I was attracted to a whole list of actresses and cowardly asked if he understood what that meant. Obviously he got very angry, told me I was wasting his time, that the last two years had meant nothing, and that I was not trying hard enough to love him. We never spoke again but I hope he found real love and is happy. (F/50/Lesbian)
Story #1989
When I came out I told many of my friends. They either support me or don’t care; most support me though. I plan in making a LGBTQ club in my school soon, to show people there is a safe place to come for LGBTQ people. I bought two LGBTQ+ flags, one of LGBTQ and one bisexual one. I had the LGBTQ one hanging in the center of my room and I accidentally left my door open; my mom actually saw it and asked about it, if I knew what it meant and if I was any of those, and I explained I was bisexual and that I was terrified to tell cause I thought she wouldn’t accept me and she accepted me. I started to break into tears hearing she was OK with it. I’m bringing my bisexual flag to my dad and seeing what happens after that. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #1988
When I came out I was 13 years old. I only came out to one person, but it was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done. I texted my friend, who is Bi, and just kind of said “So I’m Bi…” After that I threw my phone on the bed and didn’t check my messages for at least 10 minutes. When I did check it all she had said was “Cool! :)” Even though it was such a small response, it made me so happy to finally be out to someone and have them accept me. (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #1987
When I came out, I was 12. This still makes me cringe, but it was 11PM and I was bored and was watching coming out videos. I was feeling brave and since my sister was asleep I just texted her that I was gay so she could see it in the morning. There was some awkward tension at first but we never really talk about it. (M/13/Gay)
Story #1986
When I came out yesterday night it was to my best friend (who I have known for 7 years). On Instagram I wrote to him telling him I was gay. I switched off the phone and went to bed, but didn’t get much sleep cause my heart was racing. When I woke up the first thing I did was see his message. I was scared thinking I would lose him, but once again I underestimated his awesomeness. He was truly supportive and I am happy to have him in my life. Thanks. (M/15/Gay)