When I came out to my mom it was just yesterday. I had already been out at school and to my friends but hadn’t come out to her yet. I got a pride flag from Amazon and it came and she picked it up and was like, “Is this a gay flag and are you telling me you’re gay?” and I’m like, “I don’t know.” Then I went to work and came home last night and she said, “I guess you’re glad that’s out cause you didn’t like hiding it” and I’m like, “Yeah” and she said it’s a sin and she’s disappointed but she doesn’t love me any less. So I guess it went ok 🏳️🌈 (M/19/Gay)
Story #2023
When I came out I was on my way home with one of my best friends since we live near each other. As we were walking home he noticed that I kept texting someone and he asked me who it was. All of a sudden I started panicking and like hyperventilating because I was under the influence and I couldn’t come up with a good lie. I started to cry and he was so confused and then I texted him that it was a boy and that I liked guys just because I couldn’t say it. He hugged me and made me feel very comfortable. That day I didn’t expect to tell someone and I wasn’t planning on telling anyone any time soon but I’m glad that I don’t have to lie to him anymore. I still have to tell others but I’m glad I have him for support. (M/17/Gay)
Story #2022
When I came out to my brother, I was really freaking out because I wasn’t sure what he would say or think about it. Turns out he was bisexual like me and that caused me so much relief. (F/13)
Story #2021
When I came out I was 14. I felt guilty because most of my friends were homophobic. I did it in person and surprisingly they all said they were here for me. Another one of my friends came out as bi right after me, which was unplanned. I feel so much more like myself, now that I’m out. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2020
When I came out it was after I got out of a mental hospital, in April 2019, for trying to kill myself for being molested and abused. I realized I liked girls, one in particular. That girl happened to be my best friend from elementary school. I told her how I felt about her and she said she had a girlfriend and I respected that and was okay with just being friends. But she disowned me for being gay and left me when I needed her most. Still haven’t found anyone but I’m cool with waiting for her to come. (F/15)
Story #2019
When I came out to my parents for the first time, as asexual, I was 14. They’re very cishet-normative, but they’ve been trying to be very supportive. Tonight, I put a letter on their bed saying I am nonbinary. I don’t know if they’ve read it yet. Tomorrow, I’m
going to come out to my younger brother. I’m scared, but I’m also tired of pretending to be something I’m not. I hope they respond well. (Nonbinary/16/Aroace, agender)
Story #2018
When I came out to my best friend I was 19 years old, the day before my birthday. I wanted to be more free, you know what I mean? Well, I just told her I wanted to go out for a coffee. We started talking and suddenly I was speechless; she was the first person ever that I was just coming out to. She asked me what was going on, and I almost had an anxiety attack, it was just too much for me. All my life I was told homosexuality was a sin, so I started believing that for a second. The moment I told her I was bi, she just hugged me and told me nothing was going to change. (M/23/Bisexual)
Story #2017
When I came out to my mother, she took it very well because she is more open-minded and accepting. We just got back from shopping at Walmart and as we parked in the driveway of her home, I stopped and said, “Mom, I’m gay”. She looked at me as if she weren’t surprised and said, “I already knew that. Now help me get the groceries out of the car”. It may have taken some time for others to accept me, but it has been worth the life to live because I am finally ME. (M/21/Homosexual)
Story #2016
When I came out I felt like I could actually be myself. The process of coming out was bittersweet because my parents are divorced and I knew one would take it better than the other so I came out to my mom and dad on two different days. While my dad and I were on our way to church it took all of the strength and courage to say the words “I’m gay”. As the words left my mouth the tears started to slowly slide down my face because I knew his standing point on LGBTQ. We had a very long battle for 4 years because I wasn’t willing to settle for someone I am not. I am now proud to say that he loves me for who I am, as well as my husband. (M/21/Homosexual)
Story #2015
When I came out I was 11; I’m now 12. People say I’m confused, and that it’s a phase. I’ve known I was a lesbian for years now but was too afraid to come out. My family is very religious (Catholic) and extremely homophobic. My mother mocked me daily after my “coming out” and my parents divorced because my father didn’t want a lesbian daughter. My classmates supported me unconditionally and my teacher even set up a pride group! I even have a girlfriend now and I pretty much live at her house. (F/12/Lesbian)