When I came out I was in 4th grade (I was 10) and my friends were creeped out but supportive. I had a crush on one of my friends and I told her. She just grinned and said, “Cool!” I got over her and the next year I got a major crush on my other friend. I told her and she rejected my friendship. Now I have a crush on my hot music teacher. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2055
When I came out to my grade at school last year I sent a mass email to everyone. I got positive responses and some slightly transphobic responses but it was fine. Now almost exactly a year later I am called by my new name and a lot of people use my correct pronouns. Some people don’t but that’s okay. (FtM/15/Grey romantic asexual)
Story #2054
When I came out, I did not plan it, but I came out to my best friend and then I came out to my dad. He told my mom and they kicked me out. Now I live with my girlfriend. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2053
When I came out I was at a political summer camp and I met two girls who both identified as gay. I thought they were really cool and smart and when they talked everyone listened, and I realized that being queer doesn’t stop you from being influential in politics. I talked to one of them and she hugged me and said she believed in me. On the train going home, I texted my friends this long text about how I was figuring out my sexuality. They all responded and said they loved me and I cried in the train. Pete Buttigieg dropped his campaign today and even though I am a Bernie supporter I am sad because I want a queer president so I guess I have to be the first. (F/16/Queer)
Story #2052
When I came out, my dad threw the vase of flowers I had just brought home from my first girlfriend across the room. I was petrified — he never acted that way. He wasn’t prepared; no one really was. A couple of my friends seemed to understand, or at least “love me through it”, but overall I wasn’t accepted for almost 4 years. Stay committed and stay strong. You’re never alone and the fight is so beyond worth it. Love whoever you love and do it with passion. Live your truth. (F/24/Pansexual)
Story #2051
When I came out I had a best friend who always called me gay as a joke, so the day before I told her, I asked her how she would react. Then we were walking together and I just told her. She was fine with it and so were my others friends, even the ones whose religion it was against, and I was so happy. (Bi)
Story #2050
When I came out I told my BFF (who is also bi) that I am attracted to both genders. She accepted me and helped me write a letter to my crush. My crush rejected. At first, I was sad. Then my bi friend told me that I was her crush. We are now girlfriends. I then told my dad. He is confused about my “choice”. I will soon come out to my mom (who is a lot stricter). Wish me luck (F/Bi)
Story #2049
When I came out, it was to one of my friends who I hadn’t talked to in almost a year. Like a real conversation. But she was one of the few people who I actually knew her opinions on LGBTQ. My parents are homophobic and I used to be. We used to fight over it sometimes. But anyway. It was great. She’s been helping me a lot recently. Either tomorrow or on Monday, I’ll come out to my parents. But, real quick, I also reached out to another LGBTQ person and they’ve also been a big help. So, wish me luck. (Guy/13/Bi)
Story #2048
When I came out, I had been hiding it for two years being bi a couple months before I came out I decided I was gay. I was on FaceTime with my girlfriend and she told me that either I was gonna tell my mom or she was so it was 9:45 pm. I texted my mom and told her I needed to talk to her. She came up to my room and I went blank. The first thing she asked was “Are you pregnant?” My immediate response was “It’s not possible in this case.” After a couple of minutes I finally said, “I’m gay.” She smiled and said she loved me. She told my dad for me and she said he saw it coming so he wasn’t surprised. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2047
When I came out I had been struggling with dysphoria for a while and was afraid to tell anyone for fear of my mum finding out (she’s a bit transphobic/ignorant) and for fear of not being accepted. But I’m a “do things on a whim” kinda person. When one of my friends mentioned someone about her, our friend, and I all being LGBTQ-indentifying girls I mumble — quite loudly — “Well, that’s not true; I’m not a girl”, and they immediately hugged me and showered me with support. I love my friends! (Non-binary/polysexual)