When I came out, it was at first to just one of my friends who was easily supportive, and we made jokes together for a few weeks. Me, her, and some other friends were having a discussion about abortion laws and at some point we started discussing if we would get abortions and the likelihood of needing one. So I turned to my friend, who knew I was ace, and asked her the likelihood of me getting pregnant and needing an abortion. We both started laughing at that joke and I ended up coming out to the whole group and we just talked about LGBT matters for the rest of lunch. (F/14/Demi-romantic/ace)
Story #1830
When I came out to my friend over the phone I said, “I like boys, and girls” to which she replied, “Oh my gosh same” and I did a double take. Coming out to my other friend was hard because first I actually needed to get her attention, then I said, “[Friend], I’m bi” and she said, “Wait, say that again” so I said it again and she was happy and jumping around, then I told her I was genderfluid. At another place I was talking with three or four people and one said, “I don’t think I know anyone who is bi” so I had to say, “Now you have!” I say that I’m bi and genderfluid because it is SO much easier to understand than saying that I might be this or that or both or something. Anyway, continue being your queer/ally self and show that closet who is boss. (NB/genderfluid/androgynous/gender is confusing/13/Biromantic/panromantic/demiromantic/akoiromantic/ace)
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])
Story #1767
When I came out I texted my best friend with a message I had prewritten almost a week before. Even though I was 99% sure she would be supporting and accepting, as she herself is gay, my heart was racing and my hands were shaking. This was the first time I shared this part of myself with anyone else and when she didn’t respond for several minutes, I started to get really nervous. Finally, she responded in such an awesome way and said she would have my back. It was like a huge weight had been lifted and I felt euphoric for the rest of the night. (F/16/Asexual)
Story #1751
When I came out, I told my mom one late night and she said that she understood, but after a week of not referring to me by any name at all she’s back at it again to using my dead one. (Non-binary/16/Aroace)
Story #1707
When I came out, it was sort of by mistake. My friends were talking about some movie, and my friend told me, “From one asexual to another, don’t watch that movie because there’s a huge sex scene.” I responded that I wasn’t ace, and she seemed really surprised. I couldn’t shake the encounter, though, and at lunch the next day, I looked up different types of attraction and realized that I really didn’t experience any sexual attraction, prompting me to come out to everyone right then and there. They were all so accepting, and they’ve continued to be as my label has gradually changed and evolved into how I identify today. (Agender/15/Aro Ace)
Story #1680
When I came out to all my closest friends last week as bi-asexual, they were so supportive. I feel so much more confident now, it’s like a weight off my chest, although my best friend doesn’t seem to buy it, telling me it’s not possible and that I’ll struggle to find a partner like this. It caught me off guard and upset me a bit, but I’ll be making coming out cookies for all of my friends next week, so hopefully she’ll see that it’s real. (F/15/Bi-asexual)
Story #1674
When I came out as asexual, surprisingly, my family was really supportive. Unfortunately, my best friend just thought it was a phase and that was really disappointing.
Story #1451
When I came out, I was at therapy. My mom was there with me. I was so nervous she got me a glass of water. After I said it, my mom told me she already knew. She would accept me, but I’m not allowed to transition until I move out. (FtM/13/Asexual)
Story #1447
When I came out it was to my cousin, she was okay with it even though we’re both Muslims, and when I came out to a friend she just stopped talking to me, but it’s all good. I’m glad I did it. (Deejay, 17/Pansexual/asexual)