When I came out my teachers were so much more accepting than my actual genetic family, so I actually started to call my teachers “mom” and “dad”, and when one of them asked about it I started sobbing and telling them how my family didn’t wan’t me to be a trans man and still like men, they wanted me to be a straight female cheerleader like my sister. Eventually my mom started to come around, but even to this day we’re still working on it. If you’re wondering, I was 12 when I first came out and started being myself in my comfortable form. My dad still thinks that I’m faking it for attention, as do some of the kids in my grade (I’m now in 9th grade). To any of the other trans kids whose parents aren’t completely accepting: I know that this is going to be just about the only thing that you’ll hear from other trans role models, but it does get better. Before my family accepted me, we had a lot of tension, and we still do, but it’s up to you whether you’re going to take the initiative and help your family understand that it isn’t a phase. It is not for attention. You are you, and no matter how much they might wish you weren’t, they can never change you. (M/14/Gay)
Story #1918
When I came out I had my friend up for a sleepover and after a while I said, “Let’s go explore in the woods,” so we went in and I was like, “I need to tell you something,” and she said, “What?” I just flat out said, “I’m Bi.” She was so nice and accepting and she told me she was Bi too. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #1917
When I came out my mom and I were in the car getting me some new clothes. My mom got on the topic of LGBTQ+ and I just said I’m not 100% straight… She said she kinda realised it after a while and I started to cry. (Genderfluid/12/Pansexual)
Story #1916
When I came out I told my bio mom and my foster parents. I was nonbinary and pan. My bio father wouldn’t understand nonbinary so I said I was trans since I’ll soon be on T. He cut me off. Though it hurt I’m happy with my decision. I’m just contemplating if I’m nonbinary or MtF. (Nonbinary, MtF/17/Pansexual)
Story #1915
When I came out to my best friend, I told her I was a whale girl. She was very confused when I said that. I then said, “Do you know what type?” She said no. I replied, “A bisexu- whale!” Super cheesy. (F/10)
Story #1914
When I came out to my best friend was recent. She asked if I was gay in a joking matter and I said yes and it took her a while to realize I was serious. She was supportive but now it feels… weird? Like awkward that I don’t have to hide this part of me anymore… (M/Gay)
Story #1913
When I came out to my best friend last night, she talked about how she supports LGBT and just started asking if there were any guys I liked. Later on she told me that she cried about it and was honored that I chose to come out to her first. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1912
When I came out, my friend said she didn’t think I was actually asexual. She said I was too young to know, and I might not have just had sexual attraction yet. That really hurt me, and I had and still have anxiety and self-doubt about my identity. My other two friends who were there accepted me, but I’m scared to come out to anyone again. (F/14/Asexual/panromantic)
Story #1911
When I came out I did it through a spoken word poem that I presented to my classmates. It was a nerve-wracking experience but everybody congratulated me and said they really loved it. (F)
Story #1910
When I came out I couldn’t pluck up the courage to say that I’m gay. The thought of uttering those words made me chuckle — who would expect it from me? The nice young man, which all of the parents loved. I’d always jumped though the hoops society had set for me: polite, sporty, Oxford medic. In the end my Dad stated his assumptions and I reluctantly affirmed them. The support and acceptance from my friends and family has meant the world to me.