When I came out I had known I wasn’t straight for a while, but had only admitted I was full-on lesbian a couple of months before. I was having a heart-to-heart conversation with my mum and she asked me what had been worrying me the past year, so I gave her some clues and she guessed, saying, “Well, I know you’re not taking drugs, so you might be wondering whether you like boys, or girls.” She said it really simply, it was super nice, and because of that I plucked up the courage to tell one of my closest friends, who is gay herself and just straight (ha…) up texted her, “I just came out to my Mum.” She replied… “Out of what?” and listed many options, about 15 of them, ranging from “the closet” to “a tuba.” (F/Lesbian)
Story #1746
When I came out I had no clue what to expect from my family. My dad didn’t care when I came out as bi but went on a religious rant when I came out as trans about how it wasn’t true and I was wrong. He still does that along with my stepmom. My mother took it really well and is really supportive of me, and i’m truly grateful to have her in my life. (F/16/Bi/Trans)
Story #1745
When I came out, it was a fast decision. I told one of my new friends that I was genderfluid and she looked at me and smiled and was awesome about it! (Genderfluid/13/Pan)
Story #1744
When I came out it was very unexpected. I’d told maybe 7 of my closest friends and definitely not my parents. I said about a year beforehand to a bi friend (we came out to each other and I have a massive crush on her but haven’t said) that I would never lie about my sexuality and I stuck to that. This girl was going round the classroom asking if we were lesbian (all-girl school) and I was the last person to ask of course so I said yes! I’d expected the rumours to spread but so far no one has said anything. It’s so relieving for everyone to know. Not my mum, though; she is abusive and I live alone with her so I’ll tell her when I get married. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1743
When I came out it was totally by accident. I hadn’t even admitted it to myself and had been losing sleep over it. Then my friend was like, “I think I’m the only gay one at my school” and it just popped out. Now I’ve come out to a few friends and last night I came out to my mom. She was awesome and apparently half of my Catholic Irish family is lesbian (yay). Now I need to tell my dad and I will try to tell my class. My dad’s side is extremely conservative but I think my dad will be good. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #1742
When I came out it was on Friday at a party. One of my friends went on my phone and found some photos of shirtless guys. So I just confessed right there and then. It could not have gone any better, got so many hugs and kind words, and my best friend who is straight doesn’t care and is super supportive. So happy! (M/19/Gay)
Story #1741
When I came out to my older cousin (who is gay) I texted him the songs “Girls,” “Girls Like Girls,” “Same Love,” and a few others. He texted back, “Are you trying to tell me something?” Then he told me he loved me and told my mom for me. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1740
When I came out to myself, I cried. I was reading a book with a lesbian couple, and I found myself thinking, “This is what I want.” I didn’t tell anyone until towards the start of 8th grade when I told my mom, almost by accident. I’m incredibly lucky that my mom is extremely liberal, so I just told her off-hand when she was talking to her sister on the phone. She’s been super helpful since then. However, coming out to other people since then has been terribly hard. At my school, there’s an underlying homophobia that detracts me from telling my friends. Only three friends know, two of which (including my crush) I told on accident, the other guessed. Every day I feel like I’m lying to myself, not telling people. But I’m sure that someday, I’ll find my courage, and I encourage you to find yours. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #1739
When I came out I was at a restaurant and was waiting for my food with my parents. I decided to come out a bit early. Keep in mind that I had tried to come out to my dad before but didn’t have the courage to, and I grew up in a straight environment. So I grabbed a piece of paper and drew my pride flag. I had my dad and stepmom guess the flag. So I think they got the hint. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #1738
When I came out I was crying because of how depressed I was, and my parents were mad because I wasn’t telling them what was going on. Then I finally told them and my sister and started crying even more. They said they still loved me and will support me no matter what. Now, my parents and 15-year-old sister know, and about eight of my friends know. I am planning on telling more people in around 8th grade. (F/12/Bisexual)