When I came out I was incredibly nervous. I told my cousin, who is the only person that I have been with my whole life besides my brother and parents, and she understood almost instantly. We used to always joke that I was more male than female and when we played dress up when we were younger, I would always been the husband or father. Everyone always assumed I was just a tomboy and I was just too influenced by my brother and father, but it was not until very recently that all my depression and anxiety came to a head and I had that thought, “What if I really am a boy and not just a boyish girl?” I have been hinting at being transgender ever since to my parents, brother, and younger sisters, but they all think it is just some ongoing joke I have and do not take me seriously. I talk with my cousin but neither of us have the money or resources to move out of our respective houses and start buying me the necessities I need to transition, so my hair is still long and I don’t have a binder. I am hoping to change that soon. (M [FtM]/18/Asexual)
Story #2071
When I came out, it was in maths class last year to a girl who sat next to me. She wanted me to be her “Gay Best Friend” but I think I’m quite a lame one. On top of that, I didn’t realise I was asexual until a few weeks ago. To be honest, it’s been a really horrible year, just a giant punch to the face every day, and being gay and ace makes me feel different in a bad way, and coming out seems stupid because why should someone judge you for that, why can’t you just be yourself and not say anything? And then, I feel like if I come out as ace people will think I’m lame because I don’t know who’s attractive. I just hope this year is over soon and then we can all laugh about it. (M/17/Gay/ace)
Story #2055
When I came out to my grade at school last year I sent a mass email to everyone. I got positive responses and some slightly transphobic responses but it was fine. Now almost exactly a year later I am called by my new name and a lot of people use my correct pronouns. Some people don’t but that’s okay. (FtM/15/Grey romantic asexual)
Story #2030
When I came out as aromantic my mom said that it was just a phase and that I would find “the one.” My friends are supportive, though, which is awesome. (Genderfluid/aroace)
Story #2019
When I came out to my parents for the first time, as asexual, I was 14. They’re very cishet-normative, but they’ve been trying to be very supportive. Tonight, I put a letter on their bed saying I am nonbinary. I don’t know if they’ve read it yet. Tomorrow, I’m
going to come out to my younger brother. I’m scared, but I’m also tired of pretending to be something I’m not. I hope they respond well. (Nonbinary/16/Aroace, agender)
Story #1963
When I came out to my 18-year-old friend as asexual she freaked out and told me she was too XD She is so far the only person I know to be asexual like me. (F/13/Asexual biromantic)
Story #1954
When I came out I was texting one of my friends on Messenger. And I told them I like someone. “Is he nice?” she said. “… she” I corrected her. (Agender/14/Asexual/demi-homoromantic)
Story #1933
When I came out I told my sister while we were on a dog walk. She didn’t care but wasn’t mean about it. I then told my friends during school the next day. They were all really supportive! Although I have yet to come out to my parents. (F/13/Asexual/biromantic)
Story #1912
When I came out, my friend said she didn’t think I was actually asexual. She said I was too young to know, and I might not have just had sexual attraction yet. That really hurt me, and I had and still have anxiety and self-doubt about my identity. My other two friends who were there accepted me, but I’m scared to come out to anyone again. (F/14/Asexual/panromantic)
Story #1909
When I came out it was to my ex, now one of my closest friends. We kinda did a “double confession”. She told me that she was actually they — nonbinary. I told them that I was asexual. They were surprised at first, considering our history, but in the end were very accepting. I’ve come out to a couple other people since then, but close family is for a bit later. I want to be sure of myself before others are. I’m right now in the process of questioning gender and romantic attraction, since I’m pretty sure something’s going on there. 😏 I’m also learning that having doubts is natural, and that regardless of tiny contradictions — or a complete change in orientation — you are still completely valid. ❤️ (M/18/Ace)