When I came out I first told my best friend that I was questioning. I’ve had past relationships with girls but was never truly happy. I then told a friend who came out to me that I was almost sure I was gay. I plan to tell my mom because I know she will be very supportive of me. (M/12/Gay)
Story #2120
When I came out, it was May, I think. One of my friends recently told me she was bisexual and that made me think about my own sexuality. I knew I was bi for about 2 years and I had not shared this with anyone yet. Day after day, I encouraged myself to tell my parents. One day, while we were having lunch, I asked my parents if it mattered to them what my sexuality was. My dad said he was okay with anything as long as I was happy, but my mom said it would be kinda confusing if I liked more than 1 gender. A few minutes later, I told them I was bi. They both seemed accepting, luckily. My mom kept on talking about grandchildren, but she accepted me 🙂 (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #2119
When I came out to my friends I felt kinda scared. I had already come out to my (now) girlfriend as bi and she came out to me as well as bi (I am now a lesbian). Most of my friends also are LGBTQ+ and or allies. We all basically became “super LGBTQ+” and met quite a few more queer friends. We now consist of a lesbian (me), 4 bisexuals, 3 trans folk, a pansexual, and about 10 allies. I feel very accepted and am very happy that we are all friends. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2118
When I came out, it was to my mom. We were having a late-night heart-to-heart, and I kept thinking that there wasn’t going to be a better time than this. When I told her, I had her guess, and she guessed that it had something to do with me not knowing whether I liked guys or girls. I came out, and then started crying. I was so relieved, because I hated lying. She was super supportive, although she did say it might be a phase. Good luck, all! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2117
When I came out I was really scared. I have homophobic parents — well, mom — and I had already come out to some of my friends. My brother was my only family member who knew and he helped me through tough times of figuring myself out. I decided to let my mom know I was pansexual and asexual because she always insulted the LGBTQIA+ and I was getting hurt a lot but nothing changed once I came out to her. Instead she said stuff like I’m gross, I’m a sin, it’s just a dumb phase, stuff like that hurt a lot. I don’t have many friends so I would try to just move on with myself and be happy with who I am even though if I really am a disappointment but it’s alright. I’m happy being me and expressing what and who I love. I mean, I can’t help it. (F/15/PanAce)
Story #2116
When I came out it was because I was bi. I told my mom, my counselor, and my best friend, then some of my other friends. Next year though I started questioning my gender and I thought I was a demigirl, so I told people that. But calling myself demigirl didn’t feel right either, so I was floating in the area of “uh I have no idea what the heck I am” so I eventually settled on nonbinary. I’ve told my mom and I’m planning on coming out in the other areas of my life. (NB/Bi)
Story #2115
When I came out to my mum I was 13 and told her I had a girlfriend. Her reaction was nothing and just said “okay” and left. Two years later I’m single, non-binary, and a lesbian and my mum doesn’t like that I want to change my name and don’t want a gender. My auntie on the other hand is a fellow lesbian and she supports me. My father, well, I have no idea what he thinks. (Non-binary/14)
Story #2114
When I came out my mum was shocked. She was not accepting at first, but she’s gradually changed. Her first reaction was that she ran away into another room and cried her eyes out. I was shattered, and I hid in the closet for four years. I moved out, and I don’t speak to her very much anymore, but I’m fine with that. I have my wonderful chosen family with me, and I know that if you are struggling with this, it will all work out. Proud of you 🌈❤️ (Demigirl/19/Lesbian)
Story #2113
When I came out about a year ago we were in a pub eating dinner and the friendly lesbian couple next to us were talking to my mum. I took that as an opportunity to tell them I was gay. My mum started crying because she was super proud of me and now talks to me about my ‘girl crushes’. 😂 It was such a good feeling having that weight off my chest. I also came out as a trans man recently but I’m not allowed to transition yet because I’m ‘too young’. (Trans FtM/15)
Story #2112
When I came out to my mom, I was already out to my friends who were all nothing but kind and supportive. I expected for my mom to be accepting as well, but she wasn’t. After I told her, she went on a walk in a huff, and I called my best friend, telling her what happened between sobs. She dropped everything and picked me up, got me Starbucks, and hugged me while I cried. Even though my mom’s reaction wasn’t what I hoped it would be, my dad reacted positively, and I have amazing friends that are my chosen family. (F/16/Lesbian)