When I came out as gay at 14, I was so scared… My mom is the first person to find out my orientation… I was scared about her reaction because we are living in a post-communist country… Now I have a relationship with an awesome guy. My mom asks me when I’m going to marry him but the law doesn’t accept gay marriage… A story with a happy end 🙂 (M/18/Gay)
Story #1736
When I came out, I showed my mum a compilation of photos with writing up the top saying: “Which of these people are not a lesbian?” (Idk). She didn’t get it, so I told her, “No, Mum. I like girls.” She was quite supportive but did question me later saying that feelings can change (basically saying it was a phase) but it’s not. (F/Lesbian)
Story #1735
When I came out it was to my BFF at the time (who I was secretly in love with) and she said, “I thought something was up.” She was super supportive. Sadly, I am no longer in contact with her. When I came out to mom, however, I wanted to die because I knew she was an extremely strict Christian and doesn’t support it. She recently told me, “I love you but do not support the sin.” And, now? Being 17, I just do not give a crap anymore. BE YOURSELF, OWN IT! You will be happier. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #1734
When I came out, my friend (who was openly gay) and I were joking about how my parents thought I was gay and he asked me if I was. I leaned into his ear and whispered, “Not straight.” We had a long discussion. My other friend, who is straight, was extremely supportive as he has always been of the LGBTQ community. At this point I’ve told 5 people including my old best friend who told me I shouldn’t like a girl more than her (so that relationship had to end) but in a year I plan to be fully out. (F/14/Bi?/Lesbian)
Story #1733
When I came out to one of my best friends as non-binary, I was so scared of how she would handle it because I felt so vulnerable at the time. I texted her to tell her, and she immediately asked my pronouns and was so supportive. It honestly could not have been better. (NB/15/Queer)
Story #1732
When I came out, it was only to a small group of people. I hadn’t decided how to define myself, but I had had a massive crush on my friend for years. I just blurted it out. Turns out half the people I know are gay. I haven’t come out to my family or my school (both conservative). I have a support group now, so whenever I have to answer a question in religion class like “Why are men and women supposed to be married,” we manage to laugh it off. (12/Probably lesbian)
Story #1731
When I came out it was so scary. I did it over Snapchat to a girl that I hadn’t known for that long and she was so supportive. I came out to another friend and I had a lot of trouble saying that I was bi out loud, but she already knew, which I was very happy about it. There is only one experience for me that was bad; it was just the way my friend acted and she is bi herself. Anyway, now I have come out to all my friends and family and I am so very glad that I have. Most of the time I just call myself gay because I am into girls way more than I am guys hahaha (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #1730
When I came out my mom was like not surprised at all. She calmly said, “I know.” My dad doesn’t wanna talk about it but I know he thinks it’s okay. I think the most supportive family member is my sister, who is 11. She brags about it to her friends and is so proud of me. She bought a dress with a text saying, “Be yourself” with a rainbow behind it. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1729
When I came out I first did it in front of my parents and siblings when I was 25, and they were very accepting although I wasn’t sure how they will get it. Four years later I came out to my bigger family and friends online and that went a little less smooth and some decided to distance themselves, but I guess it gets better in time and also you meet new friends as you go on with life. (M/29/Gay)
Story #1728
When I came out I told my non-binary friend and asked for advice on how to tell my family. They were so supportive and I felt like someone understood me. Tonight I told my sister, but my mom walked in on us hugging and wanted to know what was wrong. I hesitantly told her with fear that she wouldn’t understand, but she was so accepting. We all hugged and cried and now I finally feel free after months of anxiety. (F/Pansexual)