When I came out to my mom, I was random. I took a photo on Snapchat, edited it saying “[my name] = [gay flag]” and sent it to her. And now she’s happy as she can embarrass me about boys and girls and she now has an excuse to go to pride. But, my dad is super religious so, I’ll see what happens there another time. (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #1798
When I came out, to my friends at least, I was welcomed with nothing but love and support. Though I maintain a heterosexual relationship and claim bisexuality, I realize I cannot force myself to do this forever. Someday soon, I will HAVE to be completely transparent with boyfriend, my mother, and most importantly, myself. This will change my entire life, and that terrifies me. All I have to say is “I’m gay,” but just the thought of accomplishing that makes me want to hide. (F/23/Gay)
Story #1797
When I came out, I was 13 and I decided to bake cupcakes just to write “I’m Gay” on one of them in frosting and to give it to my parents. They were confused as to why it was written there, then asked me the question, “Are you gay?” I then said, “Yes” and they were supportive of it. Probably one of the proudest moments of my life. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1796
When I came out, it was a few days ago. My parents are now forcing me to renounce what I said and force me further into the closet. I thought that coming out would lift a weight off my shoulders but it just got worse. (M/Gay)
Story #1795
When I came out… I was super scared of how my parents would react. At first they reassured me that I was still their son and they loved me no matter what. Thing is, my family is religious, so once they actually realized I was serious… that’s when the negative speech started. I was disowned, kicked out at age 18, and I am now just trying to reconnect with my family. I hope no one else has to live through something like I did. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1794
When I came out I turned 13 about a week earlier. I am only out to my dad (3 months later), but it was around 11 pm on a school night and it was very emotional. I kept saying things like, “what if you don’t get it,” or “what if you don’t like it.” It didn’t help that he was already tired from work, so after many tears and about 30 minutes, I texted him and said, “I’m not straight.” He mentions it from time to time when we’re alone and stated how he knew, etc. (F/13/Queer)
Story #1793
When I came out, I was walking my friend back to her house after we had hung out. My sister had just had her birthday party, and I had been allowed to invite one friend. At one point in the sleepover, we had been sitting in my sister’s closet playing some random games on her phone, and I’m pretty sure she and her friends had forgotten we were in there, so we got all the tea on all their crushes. So, as we were walking back, we were laughing about how boring they were because they were all straight. I said, “Unlike me.” She laughed and replied with (jokingly), “I feel like you kinda just date everything. The tree, the grass, whatever.” And I just said, “Well, I am gay.” She just looked at me and said, “Ok, cool.” Honestly, I kinda expected that to be her reaction. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1792
When I came out to my girlfriend, she was completely understanding and knew that this was for me and all she had was love in her heart for me. I’m planning on going home tonight to see my mom so I can tell her. I’m scared but knowing that she’s my best friend, I think she’s going to support me and love me even more for not lying about who I am anymore. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1791
When I came out I was 18, still a high school senior, and was very popular. I knew I was different and it scared me. I told my sisters and mother. In the moment it felt right but I soon found out it was a horrible choice at the moment. They don’t look at me the same anymore and I feel alone. They punished me by not letting me talk to friends and wanting to isolate me. They want me to forget who I am. I can’t live like this anymore. I feel trapped and alone. (M/18/Bi)
Story #1790
When I came out I told my best friend. He acted like nothing happened for a while until it came up again and I realised he acted like nothing happened because he didn’t care that I was gay, at all. Other friends and most of family were accepting also. (M/20/Gay)