When I came out I could barely hear the words over the sound of my heart pounding. I have always loved my queerness but after the words left my lips I hoped the world would end before anyone responded. I was so nauseous I was worried I was going to puke. My parents said they had no idea but of course they were happy to know and loved me. My friends said “Ohhhhh, that makes sense.” I’ve never received a truly homophobic response to coming out, but I can still feel all the oxygen leave the room when I think of the first time. But I survived. I made it. (F/23/Queer/bisexual)
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)
Story #2233
When I came out it was a little sudden; the first time I understood the term pan while trying to figure myself out I felt immediately like that was me. Then one day after school some of my friends were asking about whether I had a crush and somehow the conversation went from me protesting embarrassedly that “it’s complicated” to me saying “So I’m pan” as we got on the bus. My friends were gay and trans; and lesbian; so they both were really accepting. It was relieving to finally let somebody know how I felt. I’ve told my mum that “I could see myself with a girlfriend or boyfriend” (in tears) but she said she understood, but she and my dad were both pretty confident I’d “settle down and figure it out” so I don’t think she knows that pan is actually a real thing. I’ll tell her one day soon and explain it fully but right now I think I’ll let her think about it a while longer… (F/15/Pan)
Story #2232
When I came out it was “census day.” I filled out my census on my household account, not realising that when my parents logged in to do theirs, they’d be able to see all of my answers. To cut a long story short, I’m looking for a new house, and I’m going to hell too apparently. (F/18/Pansexual)
[Editor’s note: UK folks, you can go to https://census.gov.uk and click “Need to answer separately from your household?” and they’ll send you an anonymous access code so you can fill in your own information and overwrite whatever your official household form says.]
Story #2229
When I came out I was in math class. I had gone to turn something in, so I was out of my seat, when I came back my best friend (who is bi) was saying how she sits next to two straight people. I said, “I’m offended,” and then sat down. The person sitting next to me said, “Wait, why?” I commented, “Because I’m not.” (F/13/Questioning)
Story #2226
When I came out to my best friend it was right after he hit on me and said he liked me. I was so scared but then he told me he was bi. Now I have a beautiful trans girlfriend and my friend has a boyfriend! (F/12/Pan)
Story #2224
When I came out I was just 11. I came out to a friend and they were super supportive. I was planning to come out in June, but it came out early. It was by email and I was super worried they would be homophobic or not supportive at all, but I was wrong. Remember, you’re never alone. (F/11/Pansexual)
Story #2223
When I came out, I was 16. I was with my boyfriend at that time. I was having weird feelings towards his sister; I was crushing hard on her. I finally told my boyfriend at that time I was in love with his sister. He understood. We have been together for 6 years and counting. We are getting married next fall. (F/22/Bi)
Story #2221
When I came out to my twin sister, she got really excited and shouted, “FINALLY.” She’s been really supportive so far. When I came out to my older brother, he said something like “Yah girls are nice” and “now we can talk about the hot girls together” and then he hugged me. I haven’t come out to my parents yet, but I think they’ll accept me. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2220
When I came out to my godmother, it was in October 2019 and we were putting away the groceries she had bought that day. She and I are really close so we started talking about mental health and self care, and then we started talking about dating. She said, “You are not allowed to date until high school. Boy or girl…” When I heard her say “girl” I kind of zoned out for a second, and my heart started racing. So I pushed back all those doubts and said, “Actually… it’s mostly going to be girls…” She stared at me for what felt like a few minutes (while my heart was beating out of my chest), and suddenly started smiling. She said, “I had a feeling you were hiding something from me, but I didn’t know what.” Tears started coming out of my eyes, and I sobbed into her chest with tears of relief. It was the first time I had really said anything to anyone about this, and I thought she would reject because of her Christian beliefs. I guess I was wrong! (F/14/Lesbian)