When I came out sophomore year of high school, it wasn’t something I planned for, but rather something my parents found out about on their own by way of a love letter. As strong Christians, they were extremely offended, warning me that I would be sent to Hell for my feelings and threatening to send me to conversion camp, have meetings with church leaders and attend therapy to fix my “illness”. Due to everything surrounding this, I ultimately made the choice to throw myself back into a closeted lifestyle for the remainder of my time spent living at home. However, as I still maintain contact with the same girl with which this all began, I plan to move out for college and reunite with her. My only worry now is rehashing the sexuality conversation with my parents and the idea of them disowning me because of who I choose to be with… (F/18/Demiromantic bisexual)
Story #1900
When I came out, I was lucky enough to be supported by almost everyone. One of my best friends and I were figuring out our sexualities at the same time, around our last year of high school, and when she came out to me as bi, it gave me the final push to realise I was bi too. I told my sister and friends first, then my parents a couple of months later, when the new year came around. I got into college already comfortable with my identity, met an amazing group of friends who are mostly LGBTQA+, and finally, three years ago, I posted a long statement to my Facebook profile on Pride Day, which was an indirect way to come out to my distant relatives and acquaintances. I think coming out is a process that never really ends, as you meet new people and get into new environments throughout your life, but my experiences have been very positive so far, and I know the allies I have met along the way will help make it even easier every time I have to do it again in the future. (F/21/Bi demiromantic)
Story #1895
When I came out it was with two friends. One of them even came out as pan! I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. I also have to get something off my chest. I think I’m trans. I could never tell my parents this. It feels so good to come out a third time with people like me! So does this count as coming out with all of you? (FTM?/13/Bi/gay?)
Story #1893
When I came out as bisexual — probably gay — to my best friend, he was very supportive and asked who I liked and stuff like that and told me we will always be best friends. But I still have to come out to my family who I have no idea if they are homophobic or not and if they will accept me. (M/12/Bisexual/Gay)
Story #1888
When I came out at this Youth Group I was asking a leader for help. She and I were looking for something long and straight to use to help draw straight lines in. So while looking I said to her, “The reason I need your help, is because I can’t seem to do anything straight! Even be straight!” which she laughed and found a funny way of me telling her I’m bi. (Trans FtM/17/Bisexual)
Story #1887
When I came out it was the last day of school and I gave two of my friends notes that said “I’m b” and that’s it. They took 30 minutes till they figured out I was bi. About a month later I told my friend that I thought I was actually pansexual, not bi. She supported me every second so I posted a story on Instagram saying I was pan. Most people questioned what it was but when I told them they thought it was cool. I’m gonna tell my parents soon. I know they will support me cuz my mom’s bi. (F/12/Pan)
Story #1884
When I came out it was to my best friend. She is like my sister; I tell her everything. She came out to me a couple weeks before saying she was bi and I was super supportive and happy! Then a couple weeks later I started becoming more and more attracted to girls. We were talking about how a girl we both hate is bi and then I said, “Well, if we’re talking about being bi then I should tell you I’m bi too.” She was in awe for like a minute then she gave me a hug and in music class I came out to the rest of my friends. (F/11/Bi)
Story #1882
When I came out, the first person I told was my best friend. I texted her and told her I had something I needed to tell her. She said, “What is it?” so I said, “I’m bisexual”. She replied with “Let’s date lol” then, “R u really tho?” I said yes, and she proceeded to tell me how amazing and beautiful and cute she thought I was. I asked her if she wanted to date, and she told me she wasn’t sure if she was ready for that, but that we could still be friends 🙁 (F/Bisexual)
Story #1878
When I came out as bi at age 70 to my wife of 46 years she just said, “I’ve known for 40 years. Do you want to leave me?” “No, I said I just wanted you to know.” I then told my 3 adult children; all were unconcerned and supportive. I can’t believe I held this in all my life. What a sense of freedom. BTW I have no intention of acting on my gay side and my interest in gay porn is all but gone. (M/70/Bi)
Story #1877
When I came out a few months ago I came out as bisexual to my school counselor. I gave her a note hinting that I was not straight and wanted to come out. She asked me if I was gay, but I told her I was bi. She was/is very supportive and has helped me accept myself. Don’t be afraid to be you! (F/13/Bisexual/possibly gay)