When I came out I was terrified. I asked my best friend to go to breakfast, and planned to tell her then. Throughout he meal, I sat there shaking and sweating on the verge of a panic attack at the thought of telling her this secret I had kept hidden for so long. I put it off until we were outside and about to leave, but I told her and she told me nothing changed. Due to her Christianity, I thought she might not accept me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Telling her lifted a weight off my shoulders and helped in reducing my panic attacks. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2033
When I came out it was just yesterday. I had been coming to terms with my sexuality for quite some time and I finally could confidently look in the mirror and say, “That girl is gay.” I had been trying to tell so many of my friends for so long and then I remembered a while ago one of my friends had said one quick casual sentence about not knowing her sexuality, so me and her (she is also my crush) were at theatre practice and I told her, “I have something to tell you” and it took me so long to just spit it out, telling her, “I don’t know if it’s a phase or what but I know what I’m feeling right now, and that feeling is gay.” She immediately hugged me, said that it would be okay, then she said that she thinks she might be bi and soon we were both crying our eyes out. (F/13/Lesbian/queer)
Story #2032
When I came out to my brother it was the most awkward thing. We’ve never been close and so this was a conversation I had put off for years. In the end he took it really well, but we both had very little to say. My mom later told me that he called her soon after to confess to her how bad he now felt for all the gay jokes he’d made over the years. He would never tell me that, but it’s good to know he cares. (M/26/Gay)
Story #2031
When I came out I first said I was gay (I didn’t like the term ‘lesbian’) to most of my friends but I quickly felt uncomfortable with how I was labeling myself. I later found out that I am polysexual (for girls and most non-binary genders) and non-binary. I told about six people about being poly and that went pretty well (most got mixed up with polyamorous tho). I still haven’t told anyone about being enby though because I hang out with the few enby people at school and one of their friends keeps constantly getting misgendered even after repetitively correcting them. I do plan to tell my best friend — who I know will accept me for me — tomorrow or some time during the school week. Talking about it on here is helping me a lot even though it is anonymous. Have a great, gay day! (Non-binary/Polysexual)
Story #2030
When I came out as aromantic my mom said that it was just a phase and that I would find “the one.” My friends are supportive, though, which is awesome. (Genderfluid/aroace)
Story #2029
When I came out I was 15 and had just gotten a haircut, and one of my mother’s friends (rude friend, I may add) commented that I looked like a lesbian. So I looked up, grinned, and said she wasn’t that far off, shocked both her and my mother. Honestly don’t regret it. (F/17/Pansexual)
Story #2028
When I came out to my father a few months ago, I was already out to my mom and at school. I knew I was gay since I was 15, so it was time to tell him. I wrote him a letter with everything I wanted him to know and left it on the kitchen table. Then I left for a friend’s birthday party. A few days later, we took some time to talk about it and he said he didn’t really guess but he was fine with it. I was incredibly relieved and I am glad how good it turned out 🏳️🌈 (M/19/Gay)
Story #2027
When I came out I was cooking dinner with my family. I just flat out said, “Hey Dad, I’m bisexual.” He seemed surprised but still continued to stir pasta in a boiling pot while asking how long I’ve known. I said since I was 12 and I was afraid but he says he accepts most LGBTQ+ members but not necessarily gay men. I hope my dad can soon learn to appreciate everyone in the LGBTQ+ soon. My mother on the other hand is still quite confused but she stills accepts it. (F/15/Bi)
Story #2026
When I came out to my parents they didn’t accept me. Now it passed 6 months and I’m being more gay every single day… I don’t know what to do now. I just want to escape from the reality of this cruel life because I can’t accept that your parents won’t let you be what you want! (M/17/Homosexual)
Story #2025
When I came out I was shaking. My mom had been constantly talking to me about boys and dating and every time she was talking to me about it I wanted to tell her, but I was too nervous. Today, she talked to me about it over text and I gained the nerve to tell her that I just don’t like boys. Thankfully she said she doesn’t care. Unfortunately, she said that I still might like them. (F/17/Lesbian)