When I came out to my friends they all asked what it meant, and after I explained what aro/ace is and what it means, they didn’t make a big deal about it, they just shrugged their shoulders and said “okay”. I don’t know why but that felt like the best outcome I could’ve gotten: no denial, no overflowing support. It felt absolutely wonderful when it happened, because that’s how I thought of it in my head. Jump out of your shell if you are under 14, because as long as you aren’t in the popular group, it will work out fine. (M/13/Ace)
Story #2383
When I came out I thought I was bisexual, but I was wrong. Later I found out I was non-binary after being called girl too much; I tried he/him pronouns, but didn’t like them, so I used they/them and loved it. After I found out I was asexual, then aromantic, but that’s half wrong. Now, I’ve developed a crush on my friend after us being friends for a while. I have only told my cousins this, all of this. I don’t know how to tell others about me being demiromantic after thinking I’m aromantic for a full year, and I’m questioning if this friend will find out it’s them, so for now it’s just with my cousins. (Enby/14/Demiromantic Asexual)
Story #2375
When I came out, I handed a note to my friend. I only came out as asexual and she still hasn’t said anything. I am nervous. (F/11/AroAce)
Story #2368
When I came out I opted never to tell anyone about being neutrois because I’ve never been motivated enough to educate everyone about non-binary stuff (I’m out to some as acearo). I joined my uni’s lgbt club and was able to adopt a gender-neutral name and they/them pronouns for the first time. I was able to talk about my gender/orientation and queer issues without worrying about any -phobias or having to educate people. I didn’t realise how much I wanted to hear my proper name and pronouns until it happened. We even marched in a historically huge pride parade. Unfortunately, once the competent leader stepped down the rest proved to be performative, incompetent and ableist towards me, so I bailed at the beginning of quarantine. Still, it made me realise that there are queer communities accessible to me. Hopefully the next one is better. (Neutrosis/26/Asexual aromantic)
Story #2343
When I came out to my friends as aromantic and asexual, they were extremely nice and supportive (one is bisexual and the other is lesbian/agender). When I came out to my mom, she told my dad (which I was actually kind of grateful for) and they were both pretty nice about it. I told my mom I was girlflux (I’m not anymore) and we talked about it and she didn’t tell my dad. I haven’t officially told my parents that I’m genderfluid and I don’t think that I will. (Genderfluid/Aroace)
Story #2326
When I came out it took a while for my mom to understand, but once she did, she was supportive. Not only that, but she found out that she’s aroace too! Small world… (F/18/Aroace)
Story #2292
When I came out it was in an introductary uni class. We were all supposed to have a fun fact about ourselves and it was all I could think of. There was zero reaction aside from a guy directly behind me who went “huh”. (Neutrosis/nonbinary/24/Asexual aromantic)
Story #2266
When I came out to my (non-binary and lesbian) best friend as an asexual, they accepted me immediately and told me that they already knew it for a long time but they didn’t want to force me to come out. Instead, when I told my (straight) friend that I am asexual she was confused and although she said that she supports me she didn’t understand what it means to be asexual and also told me that it could only be a phase and that it is too early to say. (F/15/Asexual/aromantic)
Story #2256
When I came out to my friend she supported me :)) I know I should probably write more, but I love my friend a lot and I’m just glad she supports me (Genderqueer/agender/15/Aroace biromantic)
Story #2238
When I came out to my best friend as aroace, she just shrugged and asked me a few questions to understand it better, but otherwise didn’t make it such a big deal. She’s awesome, by the way. On the other hand, when I came out to my parents, they said that it was “just a phase” and that I shouldn’t say that until I know for sure because I’ll find the right person someday, so that made me angry. Otherwise though, my coming-out experience was good. (F/14/Aro/ace)