When I came out to my two best friends they were totally cool with it. I was scared they might be weird about it or hate me, but they just asked some questions and said they still loved me. I haven’t told my parents, but I’m going to soon. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2449
When I came out, it was first to one of my closest friends, in January, and I was a stuttering mess; very embarrassing. She just smiled, and we continued with our day (I don’t believe she understood what I said since I was mumbling and stuttering). I came out properly to her last month. I came out to most of my friends and they’ve all been accepting since pretty much all my friends are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and it made me really happy. I came out to my mom and she is supporting, but doesn’t understand too well. I might come out to my sister and dad during pride month, but who knows. (F/13/Aroace [aromantic greysexual])
Story #2444
When I came out for the first time, I was a sophomore in college. I was really drunk and hadn’t even fully admitted it to myself yet, but it felt so good to have a space where people and didn’t treat me any differently. Now, four years later, I came out to my religious family. My siblings were really supportive, but I think my parents are struggling with it. I can tell they’re trying to understand and love me anyway, but it really hurt me to hear them talk about their beliefs that being gay is “just as bad” as being a thief or an abuser. (F/22/Bisexual)
Story #2443
When I came out it was in the middle of a mental breakdown. My friends and brother had known beforehand, but I was too scared to tell my parents. When I finally did, they accepted me for who I am and understood not to tell my extended family (homophobia). I am coming out to my extended family soon. Wish me luck! (F/Bisexual or lesbian)
Story #2434
When I came out to one of my best friends, it was simpler than I expected. She had asked me if I was straight and I’d said no. She asked what I identified as and I told her I didn’t know, even though I most definitely knew. I waited until I felt more comfortable to tell her that I identified as pan. She was identifying as bisexual at the time, but my coming out to her made her realize that she preferred the label pansexual as well. (F/Pansexual)
Story #2433
When I came out, my little sister was the first person I told. I was kind of nervous because I thought she would accept me but I wasn’t sure. I had been talking about the LGBTQ+ community around her, letting her get used to the idea and seeing if she was cool with it. One day, I decided to go for it. I told her I identified as pansexual, and she thought for a really long time. The question she generated in that amount of time was: “Does that mean you’re non-binary too?” I laughed, and I explained to her that I’m not non-binary, only pansexual. She seemed to understand everything, and I’m happy that she turned out to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. She even makes small LGBTQ+ related jokes sometimes, just to make me smile. I couldn’t have asked for a more accepting sister. (F/13/Pansexual)
Story #2432
When I came out, I told my friends and parents as soon as I realized, which took me about 3 years to fully understand. I texted my best friend and I asked her, if I’m dreaming about kissing a girl and going out with her, I probably like her, right? She said yes, so I went downstairs and told my parents, who were very accepting (my mom is bi too). There are sometimes people at school who ask if I’m gay, and sometimes I don’t know how to answer, so I stare at them blankly, but I’m working on telling more people, and so far I’ve told several close friends who have all been very supportive. I’m so grateful I am surrounded by such loving people! (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #2424
When I came out, I was about 12 or 13, and my mom was very disappointed in me and didn’t accept me. She said it was a phase and I was too young to know better. Now, I’m in high school, and I’m prepared to come out to her again whether she supports me or not! It can be scary hiding, so I’d rather just be out. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2420
When I came out, I told my mom first. We were in the car, and I had known for about a month. It just sort of burst out of me, and while she was semi-supportive, she did do the whole “You’re still young” talk. Later that night, she told me that she had read some articles and done research to fully understand what asexuality meant. She said she was sorry if she had come off as unsupportive. I told my through an email with links to articles about asexuality. I went to my first pride parade (TacomaPride) and am now out to my grandparents, friends, and school. I even had a boyfriend for a little while and he was perfectly ok with my being asexual (we broke up because he came out as gay) . I love myself, and have found a few other asexual people in my school, and a lot of other LGBTQIA+ people. (F/15/Asexual)
Story #2419
When I came out it was to my older sister. I told her I liked this girl (I’m a girl) and she took my hand and told me she loved me and everything was still the same. I asked her if she was surprised and she responded saying it wouldn’t be fair to be surprised. After the conversation ended, I felt so vulnerable and immediately regretted telling her, but now 8 months later I’ve told two more of my friends and hope to continue to come out slowly to everyone important in my life. Every time it’s painful, but I know it’s important to keep doing it so I learn to accept and love myself as much as the people around me do. (F/16/Panromantic asexual cisfemale)