When I came out I was in the sixth grade. I told my mom and she was incredibly supportive. I eventually told my friends and they were also very supportive. I haven’t told my dad yet because he is one of those very homophobic macho-type men. I’ll eventually do it though. (M/14/Gay)
Story #2624
When I came out, I wasn’t really accepted at first. My parents weren’t homophobic or anything, but I felt like they didn’t believe me. I had lots of friend groups and I never really felt like they ever really respected me. The first time I really felt seen and accepted, we had just gotten to the second half of the school year and my lunch schedule changed. I saw some kids I thought might be cool to hang out with and asked if I could sit with them. It turned out that one of them was aromantic and the other was genderfluid and omnisexual. At that point I kinda went “me too!”. They were really cool about it and it made me happy that it wasn’t being treated like a phase or something anymore. Since then I’ve had some great support systems, which has really helped me through some stuff. (Genderfluid/pangender/Aegosexual/biromantic)
Story #2623
When I came out my school was very homophobic. I got treated like crap for a long time, and my family refused to say anything about it in my house, but then I found a local GSA and made so many friends who support me unconditionally. Now I have a girlfriend and I am fully out! 😀 (Non-binary/12/Pansexual)
Story #2622
When I came out, I didn’t directly come out to my brother. I had a bisexual flag sticker on my water bottle and he saw it and he said, “I know what that means and if you need anyone to talk to about that stuff I’m here because I didn’t have anyone when I was your age” and we cried for a while and he ended up coming out to my mom as gay later that night so I didn’t feel alone. I love my brother. (F/13)
Story #2621
When I came out to my trans friends it was beautiful. They remember my name and use my right pronouns and fight for me. The name that fits me and feels right, even came from a nickname they came up with. I can only hope my traditional Christian parents are even at least an eighth as supportive. (Genderqueer/14/Lesbian)
Story #2620
When I came out to my sister, she was very supportive. She said she was pansexual, and I was happy for her. I’m really scared to tell my parent though, because they’re Christian and homophobic. So I think me and my sister are going to wait for the right time. (12/Bisexual)
Story #2619
When I came out to my best friend, I was really nervous. I wrote a letter and gave it to her. Then I ignored her for the next thirty minutes. She asked if it was real, and then was really supportive. I haven’t come out to my parents yet but hopefully this summer. (AFAB/12/Genderfluid/demigirl/bisexual)
Story #2618
When I came out as non-binary, my girlfriend at the time talked about how I seemed so masculine and that using the non-binary label was just a fad. She is queer so I was hoping that over time she would grow to accept it, but the opposite happened. I was lucky to have a remote job so I could move out to be with family who still struggle with pronouns but accept me. I still struggle to understand my own gender fluidity because my gender feelings have always been strong, but feel like they change on a dime. At this point I’m out as non-binary though I don’t pass yet and the fluidity is not a thing I understand how to talk generally. However, this is the first time in my life that feels like I’m loving it in a way that is authentic to myself, and if you relate to my story at all, please be brave! ❤️ (Non-binary/genderfluid/27/Bisexual/demi-sexual/polyamorous)
Story #2617
When I came out my parents just said it’s a phase and kind of just ignored me and my life. I had to celebrate pride month closeted. It hasn’t really gotten better. (F/13/Pansexual)
Story #2616
When I came out, it felt like a homecoming. The only thing I had to do to cross the line was acknowledge my own queerness, and since I did, I have not looked back. It’s the best parts of me and although my government would love to kill me for it, I am comforted by all the other queers that hold up the flag. I know we will see freedom in our lifetime. (F/26/Bisexual)