When I came out, it was in maths class last year to a girl who sat next to me. She wanted me to be her “Gay Best Friend” but I think I’m quite a lame one. On top of that, I didn’t realise I was asexual until a few weeks ago. To be honest, it’s been a really horrible year, just a giant punch to the face every day, and being gay and ace makes me feel different in a bad way, and coming out seems stupid because why should someone judge you for that, why can’t you just be yourself and not say anything? And then, I feel like if I come out as ace people will think I’m lame because I don’t know who’s attractive. I just hope this year is over soon and then we can all laugh about it. (M/17/Gay/ace)
Story #2070
When I came out I was scared to death because I didn’t want to admit I was a lesbian. Soon I found out that people didn’t care that I was gay as long as I was happy. I’ve recently come out to my intimate family and some cousins and one of my grandparents. I hope that one day I don’t have to worry about coming out, but it still scares me even after all this time. Until then I’ll just be me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2069
When I came out to my mum about a month and a half ago, she was a bit non-accepting at first and said, “As far as I know, you’re a girl.” That made me sad and disappointed. Later on she came into my room and asked me what was wrong, and I just told her that I thought she doesn’t accept me, but she said she does, which made me really happy. I was too scared to tell my dad and I didn’t want to tell him, but my mum said that he deserved it; she told him that night and he accepted me. Both of my parents knew what non-binary was because I have a non-binary friend and had to explain what it means. All of my friends know and they all support me, and I’m glad I have such great friends and such amazing parents. (Non-binary/15/Pan)
Story #2068
When I came out it went well, I guess. I wrote my mom a card and it said, “Congratulations, 11 years ago you gave birth to a big fat lesbian!” I also wrote some rules such as “You can tell your non-homophobic coworkers,” and “You must play the supportive parent card” but the most important one to me was “No, we will not have a talk about this” but that’s exactly what she did. I think she’s still in a bit of denial, like she did say I was probably bisexual and when we played Life she made me marry a man, but other than that it went surprisingly well. (Non-binary/questioning/11/Lesbian)
Story #2067
When I came out, it was an accident. I had actually already come out to my sister and a couple close friends, but I wasn’t out to all my peers. Some kids were teasing me about how I acted gay, like usual, but this time it was really getting out of hand. One of the remarks was spewed at me was “How come you act so gay!?!” And I was so fed up at this point that I accidentally answered: “BECAUSE I AM!” (M/16/Gay)
Story #2066
When I came out, I came out to my best friends first and that changed my life because all my other mates that I told didn’t accept me, so I told my best friends and they accepted me for who I was. It turns out that my other best friend was gay as well and finally we got together, and we love each other so, so much, but I haven’t told my mum or dad yet. But I told my aunt and she is always making sure that I believe in myself and stay happy because of who I am. (F/11/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2065
When I came out I felt like the luckiest person alive as I had a lot of supportive friends and family. Unfortunately, one of my friends has been really distant with me lately. When I asked her why, she said she didn’t want me to have a crush on her so we have stopped being friends. I am very lucky to have the best parents ever. Although my dad doesn’t really get it, he still loves me. (F/Bi/lesbian)
Story #2064
When I came out, it was over FaceTime with two of my best camp friends, one gay and one straight. When I told them, my straight friend was super supportive but my gay friend seemed skeptical. When I told her I was bisexual, she asked me if I was faking it or if I was really sure, and she justified this with “I don’t really trust bi girls”. Ouch. I haven’t told anybody else.
Story #2063
When I came out, I was so scared like anyone else, but I did it. I first told my mom, who supported and still does support me. She said to be careful because of how mean people can be. But I didn’t come out to my dad; he pretty much found out. I was being bullied at school for being gay, which led to him finding out. Now I’m proud to be who I am. (M/Gay)
Story #2062
When I came out for the first time it was with my best friend. I told her that I wasn’t sure I didn’t think I was straight because I had feelings for girls. She accepted it and I can now say that I am bisexual. I have since come out to a few of my other friends and my cousins. I have also told my mum, but not my dad as he is openly homophobic and I am still trying to muster the courage to sit him down and tell him. (F/15/Bisexual)