When I came out I was still struggling with internalized homophobia. I wrote my mom a letter, explaining that I like girls, and when she finished reading it, she hugged me. Then she said “Honey, this is how you were born, and I love you for it.” I know not everybody has an easy time, but her reaction helped me to come out to the rest of my family. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2607
When I came out, life was terribly hard. I told my parents I was lesbian and they completely did not like it. They’ll purposely talk bad about me and I felt heartbroken. My best friend outed me after she discovered my journal and exposed me. Now, everyday and everywhere, I feel like I don’t belong and it just makes me feel sad. The only one who accepted me was my older brother who lives four hours away. But, two more years and I’ll be able to move away and enjoy being me. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2606
When I came out I was in 7th grade. I have never been the best at communicating but I somehow managed to build enough confidence to write a paper to my mom saying I was a lesbian. When I came home she was mad that I didn’t tell her in person. She said she was supportive but it didn’t feel like it. Then I came out to her again this year as pan, poly, and non-binary. She is fine and supportive with everything but me being poly. She says it’s disgraceful to be poly. (Non-binary/16/Pan and poly)
Story #2605
When I came out to my best friend I was so afraid because she is a very strong homophobic. I came out over text not wanting to see her disgusted face if I told her in person. She texted back and told me she loves and supports me and I cried lol I love her so much ❤️❤️ She’s also now figuring out her own identity as an asexual 💜💜 (F/Lesbian)
Story #2604
When I came out to my best friend it was mainly to ask their advice about wearing a binder safely. I trusted they’d provide a safe space for me without judgment, but because I was only just starting to really explore and admit these feelings to myself, I had convinced myself I’d never be believed; that I must be some kind of imposter because I’ve always presented so femme. Since then I’ve come out to one more friend as well, and both of them have stunned me with how affirming they were — it seems they knew before I even really did! I feel like it’s enough for me to have their support for now — I can wait before coming out to more difficult people such as my family, it just means the world to me to have one or two friends who truly support me expressing and exploring my gender fluidity. (AFAB/29/Bi/pan)
Story #2603
When I came out I was 15 and terrified. I realized I liked girls somewhere around sixth grade, and I just couldn’t tell my mom. We were really close because I’m an only child and my dad left when I was two. In my freshman year of high school, I knew I had to tell her because it was impacting our relationship, and killing me to be keeping something from her. I just told her my crush’s name the next time she asked and she said, “I know, hon, it’s fine. What do you think of my boyfriend?” Her boyfriend is the best, and trust me, it does get better! (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2602
When I came out… I always thought I was gay but something else was bugging me. Everyone knew I was gay and just paid it no mind. After hours of research, I found a sexuality I could nestle onto for a while: aroace. I don’t know how to come out to people or even my Christian parents. Wish someone could help. I have a gay gang but I don’t know what to do. I build relationships on mutual love (such as trust, love and respect) and whatnot. I prefer men, but there’s always a lot more to research. (Demiboy/13/Aroace)
Story #2601
When I came out I was 18. My sib had just come out and my mom joked over the phone, “Is there anything you’d like to tell me?” I said, point blank, that I am bisexual. She quickly responded with “you’ll figure that all out in college,” which surprised me because she’s very accepting typically. I don’t think of that interaction often, but reading some of these coming out stories reminded me of mine, so I thought I’d share. (24/Bisexual)
Story #2600
When I came out, it was technically to myself. I was 12 or 13 and I realized that I didn’t experience any attraction to people until I really got to know them. I at first thought it was normal until I developed a crush on my childhood best friend, who was a boy. I was like: “Eww… I’m gay? That’s gross…” but after a little bit of research, I realized I was demisexual and I was surprised. I do contemplate if I’m either demi or pan but my mind is like: Go, Demi! Nowadays, I’m deciding if I’m either nonbinary or pangender. (Nonbinary or pangender/14/Demisexual)
Story #2599
When I came out, it was around the mid 2000s, possibly 2004 or 2005, but I didn’t have a clue about what the LGBTQ was and I was diagnosed with anxiety issues and whatnot. I told my therapist first and she was fairly supportive and even encouraged me to tell my parents. I mustered up the courage to tell my parents at dinner that night, and my parents smiled and told me I will be loved no matter what I am. I was proud and nowadays I even thank my therapist, who sadly died in 2021 due to cancer. I got married in 2017 with a beautiful wife – who is trans and bi – and we live happily with our two-month-old twins and rowdy golden retriever. (F/34/Lesbian)