When I came out to my brother he was surprisingly supportive. He said no matter what, he’ll always have my back. Next step is to come to my religious Muslim parents. Don’t know when or if ever I’ll be able to come out to them. (M/27/Gay)
Story #1828
When I came out, I was 13. I told my friends first that I was queer and they were all fine with it because they are too. I told my parents in a letter and they were accepting, although they think it might just be a phase. Then I came out as transgender (FtM) and again, my friends were fine with it and immediately adapted to using my pronouns and name. However, my parents were not accepting and refuse to acknowledge my identity. It hurts, but I’m 14 now and I’ll be out of the house in 4 years anyways. (FtM/14/Transgender/queer)
Story #1827
When I came out it was to my freshman year college roommate. It was such a weight off my shoulders because he came out to me as bi first! He helped me build the courage to tell my family and all besides my dad accepted me and my mom is very supportive of me. I’m finally able to live freely and for those of you who are still closeted, stay strong and know that there are resources all around you! (M/20/Gay)
Story #1826
When I came out, it was yesterday. I FaceTime my best guy friend most nights, and a few nights ago, we were playing Truth or Dare over the phone. He asked which of my crushes had starred in my last dream, and I told him that he didn’t know them, but then I went on to say, “Ya, she was really pretty.” He then was like, “Wait, what?” and I told him to just drop it, but then last night he was like, “Hey, are you bi?” and now he knows. It was kinda funny because he said a lot of comments I’ve made in the past now make a lot more sense. 😀 (F/14/Bi-curious/queer)
Story #1825
When I came out, it took me nearly 20 minutes to get the words out after I told my mom that I needed to talk to her. Even though I knew she would be accepting, the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth and I turned bright red. I finally said, “I’m gay,” and she hugged me and said she loved me. She told my dad, who brought it up in the car one day and just said that he accepts me. I’m planning to tell my friends but I’m scared they’ll treat me differently and be weirded out if they know that I’m a lesbian. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1824
When I came out, it was completely unexpected. The week before, I had told myself that I wouldn’t necessarily come out—I really don’t enjoy nerve-wracking situations—but if I were asked about my sexuality, I would be honest with people. I was talking about throwing rainbow cookies in the air for fun, and someone asked if I was gay. I said yes, and it was a huge relief from the pressure and loneliness I had been feeling beforehand. Now I am out at school, and my parents could really care less what I do, other than that I am happy. To everyone out there nervous to come out, you are valid, and if the friend/parent/other person you are coming out to doesn’t accept you, we are all with you today and forever. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1823
When I came out, I was 13 years old (yeah, pretty young, I know). It started with me buying little heart stickers with the Pansexual flag on them. I started hiding them all over my house for about a year and a half, until my parents finally asked about them. I told them that I’m Pansexual, and they couldn’t be more supportive! Now every year on May 20, my parents send me little heart-shaped cookies with the Pansexual flag on them!! (F/22/Pansexual)
Story #1822
When I came out to my mom just a few days ago (because my siblings discovered that I was dating someone, though they did not know that it was a girl) I came out hoping that my mom would support me for who I am because have been always quiet and my mom was the only one close to me. However, it was the opposite. She became very upset, called me abnormal, begged me to change who I am, and blamed my partner as if she had brainwashed me into this kind of life. My mom also asked me not to tell my siblings and told me to stop crying because I was crying too hard and my dad might hear me. Everyone in my family are homophobic and I don’t know how my life will change after this and I’m honestly afraid. Right now all I can do is pray that my mom will not do anything to stop my relationship with my girlfriend. (F/20/Bisexual)
Story #1821
When I came out it was the scariest thing ever. I first came out to my close friend group. Then I started writing letters (never sent) and emails (never sent) and practicing in front of the mirror. One day I got the courage to tell my grandmother, who told me she would support me no matter what. Then came the scary part… my mother. We went out to breakfast, and I sat silently for about 15 minutes before she said, “Do your little ‘coming out’ thing. I already know.” When I asked how, she told me she knew since I first found out myself (so about 2 years) and I always seemed gay. This made me laugh because I had been so nervous. At that time I had a girlfriend, who’s still my bestie, but now I have my second, who is loving and supportive and literally kept me from killing myself. (Born female, identifies non-binary / 13 / Bisexual, Genderfluid)
Story #1820
When I came out, my family was generally accepting at first, until I started telling my mom about a girl I was talking to at the time. After this, she started making fun of me and telling me that I was a “waste of a girl” and immediately sent me to a therapist. She also continued to tell me she’d “turn me straight” and that I need to give guys a chance. It’s been difficult but I’m proud to be who I am, no matter what she says or thinks. (F/17/Lesbian)