When I came out, I was twelve years old at the time. I don’t really remember the context that well, but I did turn to my mum and say: ‘I might be gay.’ This was followed by awkward silence, to which I peered over to see she was typing out a Facebook post: ‘My twelve year old just came out to me as gay, do I give them the talk’. Humiliated, I just took it back. Two years later I tested the waters, coming out as bisexual, to which I was told, ‘everyone starts out that way, you’re confused.’ My friends have all been supportive, it’s just my parents that I have to deal with now. I have yet to mention that I use she/they pronouns. (Demigirl/17/Lesbian)
Story #2671
When I came out, I was fourteen. I came out to my best friend, on snapchat, because I think I liked a girl. At the time, it felt like the scariest thing ever, but since then I’ve come out to a few of my other friends. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2670
When I came out, I was twelve. At the time I had had an enbyfriend and identified as she/they. When I told my mom about them, I was surprised that she was supportive of it! Although some people weren’t “with it” my church was! I am so glad to be myself! (They/them/13/Poly)
Story #2669
When I came out in the spring of 1970, it was nine months after the Stonewall rebellion. Once I owned my identity as a gay man, I made sure everyone knew. I started the New Haven Gay Liberation Front, moved to NYC to work in the original Gay Liberation Front and live in a pioneering gay men’s collective, and ensure that others would not have to suffer in the closet as I did. Close to 55 years later, I’m actively working in the WA State LGBTQ Commission to safeguard our rights. Being gay is a blessing. (M/79/Gay)
Story #2668
When I came out, it was completely accidental. I was watching a movie with my aunt, who was my legal guardian, when the movie said the three words that started it all: “I ain’t gay.” My aunt chuckled before seeing me tense up before asking me if I was gay. That was when my mouth acted before my brain did and blurted out: “I am.” Ever since then, me and my aunt have grown closer and, lo and behold, my aunt is in a secret relationship with her manager, who happens to be a woman. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2667
When I came out, It was during a field trip. My mom, who was involved with fundraisers for our school, decided to volunteer. One of the kids that I didn’t like saw me and my mom board the bus and outed me, saying: “HEY, DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU’RE GAY?” I was hurt and my mom looked at me, at the kid, back at me, and escorted me to my seat. For about thirty minutes, me and my mom sat in awkward silence before she held my hand and told me she loved me no matter what. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2666
When I came out, it was a total accident. I had been flirting with my crush (a girl) over texts, and one day my parents decided to check it… I got my phone privileges taken because my parents thought I was gay. Because Asians… After that, I pretended I was straight to my parents and at school I was myself. One day I was chilling and it hit me, am I really BiSEXUAL? Like, I don’t want to have sex or anything… So I researched. And I discovered BIROMANTIC. (F/13/Biromantic)
Story #2665
When I came out I was at the doctor’s office. My mum wasn’t in the room but my doctor was, and she asked me about how school and life were going. Then she asked about dating, and when I said people had started dating, she asked whether I knew if I liked boys or girls. I hesitantly told her “girls, I think.” She didn’t even blink and simply accepted me. I’m writing this later in the day that it happened and it feels like a dream. I hope others are as acceptive. (F/14/Sapphic)
Story #2664
When I came out, I was kicked out and they started insulting me. I came out to my parents as trans male and they were furious. My mom called me a disgrace and that she should’ve never had me. My dad shook his head and told me to pack my belongings. I was heartbroken and I moved into my best friend’s apartment. It hurt really bad when they kicked me out like I was nothing. I was fifteen when this happened; I am now nineteen. (Trans male)
Story #2663
When I came out, it was the day after I turned 14. My sister (who is also lesbian) kind of guessed, so I never had to come out to her. But the day after my birthday, there was this girl from school I was on a walk with. She had come out as bi to me and her friends the week before. It was getting dark outside, so I told her, “Can I tell you a secret you can’t tell anybody else?” She pinkie promised she wouldn’t tell anyone, and then I told her, “I think… I think I’m gay.” Then I told her when I started to realise it and stuff. She was super accepting, and then she told me her coming out story. It was scary, because even though I knew she wouldn’t hate me, I had never said the words “I’m gay” out loud before. But I am so glad I did it. I feel so seen, and so understood. It feels so refreshing to not have to pretend to be straight! (F/14/Lesbian)