When I came out I wanted to show my best friend (who I had fallen in love with) that it was okay and nobody would care. Everyone always knew so it was no surprise to them. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t accept who he was and now he still lives in denial. Me on the other hand, I’m happy as ever and I’m finding out who I am more everyday. Be who you want to be 🙂 (M/23/Gay)
Story #1809
When I came out to my family last year, they were very supportive. Now it’s a completely different story. My mom acts like she doesn’t know and then makes comments about how I shouldn’t date girls and just preserve a friendship instead. I really hope she can learn to fully accept me soon. (F/15/Bi)
Story #1808
When I came out I was 11. I told the whole family at once and most of them didn’t accept me. My dad acted aggressive for a few days before assuming it’s just a phase and I’ll get over it someday. I also told most of my friends, and they all accepted me. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1807
When I came out, it was unplanned. I started by telling a couple of my friends, then I just started randomly bringing it up in conversation with my less close friends. Then one night, my parents were pestering me about having so many male friends, and I was tired of it, so I just said I was gay. After that, I just started being totally open about it, even though I hadn’t told everyone. Whatever, if they know, they know, right? (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1806
When I came out to my closet friends and eventually my parents, I could literally feel the earth beneath me shaking. I am from India, a modern yet conservative and traditional society with lots of religious skepticism of burning in hell, societies eyeball rolling, and parents’ fear of my choices bringing shame to the family no matter how educated and knowledgable they are. So it has been half a decade now of me going through this phase of doubts, shame, fear, non-acceptance, anxiety, and then finally courage, grit, and love. Long story short, with amazing friends who were as ignorant as me when we started this journey, but nevertheless loved me and accepted me for who I am, parents who had it very hard initially but later chose to love their daughter beyond fear, and the love of my life who is the pillar and support day in-day out, here I am. After a tough yet educational journey for me and other people in my life, love won and I proudly love myself for who I am and am grateful for the beautiful and blessed partner in this lifetime. Life is a journey of discovering our own truths and no matter how scared we are to confront the truth, as it is very hard in the beginning, we are all God’s children and it is a true homage to the Creator to live by it. (F/28/Lesbian)
Story #1805
When I came out to one of my friends, he came out to me. It was a huge relief to have someone to talk to openly. The night I came out to him I could not stop shaking and thinking about coming out to my parents. I drafted an email, which I sent the next morning while I was out of the house. They were really accepting in front of me, though my dad privately sought therapy to process the new information. (F/Gay)
Story #1804
When I came out to my close friends on FaceTime they all accepted me for who I was, but the thing is I told them that I was bi, and I’m not really sure that I have any sort of feelings towards females. I think that I might be gay but I’m scared to come out again. I wish I could tell my family but I’m too scared to do that and they’re pretty religious. I really do hope I find myself. I have a really big crush on this boy who might be bi or gay but I’m don’t have the courage to tell him about my feelings. 😕 (M/15/Gay?)
Story #1803
When I came out to my mom, I left a letter on her bed right before I left for my dad’s house. She read it and sent me a text the next day saying that she loved me no matter what. She was very hurt that I didn’t tell her earlier, but she was very accepting of who I am. I’m so glad I decided to come out! (F/Pansexual)
Story #1802
When I came out, I told a friend that I’m lesbian and I have a crush on her. She was supportive, but also replied with “sorry but I’m not lesbian” and she hasn’t answered my texts since. I’m kind of afraid to come out to other people, though I think I’ve already made the biggest step in telling my crush. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #1801
When I came out I was 14. I have a close friend-group that are all queer and really open-minded, so it was easy to tell them. However, my family was another story. I had a whole plan on how to come out, but in the end it wasn’t necessary, because my mother already knew, so I kind of just blurted everything out. My mom is accepting and supports me, but my sister and step-dad are very conservative, but I know they’ll come around. (Trans[FtM]/15/Asexual [aromantic])