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)
Story #2111
When I came out I had a few friends I was out to and wanted to tell more, so when one of my friends came out to me, I felt a safe-space was with her. Big mistake for me. I told her (who I no longer trust) and another friend (who is very nice and is still my friend today, very accepting) after school one day and the next I have one of my friends coming up to me saying, “I didn’t know you were bi!” and I freak out. I played it cool, as if I meant for this to happen, trying to make sure others didn’t hear (I had some homophobic “friends” at the time), while having a panic attack and the friend I came out to the day before smirking. I asked her why she told the person who I hadn’t trusted with this secret yet and she told me that I should have told her sooner and that “I just helped you, you had to do it soon.” Later she became VERY homophobic and transphobic and made jokes about being gay, in a very homophobic way. Luckily know I have better friends and she is no longer near me. (Demiboy/Pan/demi)
Story #2110
When I came out I was 14 and my sister was completely accepting. Not only did she support me fully, she promised to follow me on my journey. (M/14/Gay)
Story #2109
When I came out my family accepted it but didn’t like it. They love me and they accept me but we never speak of it and they very quickly stopped asking me about the romantic parts of my life. But I found more family that just happens to not be blood related. I found my lgbt family. Not only do they love and unconditionally accept me but they encourage me to talk about my fears, my loves and everything in my heart. And I unconditionally love them and with them I’ve been happier than ever. (F/50/Lesbian)
Story #2108
When I came out it was to my mum. I told her I had something to tell her. We sat down and I realised how scared I was. I was crying and when I finally told her she said she didn’t mind and was really supportive. It was such a weight off my shoulders and now I have to work on telling my dad and sister. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2107
When I came out to my brother today, it was entirely spontaneous and unplanned. I knew he would be supportive, I wasn’t worried about that, I just hadn’t felt ready to admit it to anyone yet. I asked him if he would tell our grandparents if he dated anyone of the same gender (he’s bicurious) and he said yes. He asked me if I would; I said that I don’t think I would. He asked if there was a possibility of that happening. I shut the door and just admitted everything: “Yeah, had my first crush on a girl when I was in year 7, and I think I’ve always liked them like that”. He said he wasn’t surprised and had always wondered. We laughed about it for a minute or two and then my mom walked in so we dropped the convo. I feel confused about it all, but like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel proud. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2106
When I came out as a lesbian I did it through a letter to a close friend. I was extremely nervous and it took me close to ten minutes to just hit the send button even though I know it would be fine. She’s really accepting, and she doesn’t care at all. I’m more concerned about the rest of my friends, though, because of all of them being rather homophobic. Oh well. Wish me luck! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2105
When I came out as aroace I first came out to my classmate/friend. I told her I thought I was aroace, but she laughed and made fun of me, saying I was way too young to know and just confused. The next day I came out to my mum that night after she asked me if I was gay, and I told her no. I told her that I just didn’t like anybody and that that would probably be forever like that. She was first off sad because she thought that I would be unhappy that way. I told her that I’m happy with friends and family and that if I would be in a relationship, it would make me unhappy. She accepted it, so I told her that I was probably aroace. She accepted that too. (Genderfluid/13/Aroace)