When I came out I told my best friend who I had a huge crush on. She was super accepting and asked me if that was why I didn’t approve of her dating. I said yeah. She is an amazing friend and I am so happy that she knows and I can talk to her. I haven’t openly come out to my family yet. I tried to tell my mum, but she said I was too young and that I shouldn’t tell anyone, due to being judged, and that if I changed it would be a lot easier if I didn’t say anything. (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2211
When I came out to my good friend a couple months ago, at 14, I wasn’t concerned because I knew they weren’t cis or straight. It was during lockdown so one day, I just randomly texted, “you know I’m not straight, right?” They said, “yup, had a feeling” and then we talked about labels. I’m really lucky to be friends with them; we helped each other with our own identities and talk about random queer things. This is the second person I’ve come out to and am currently planning on telling my older brother (also over text) in a couple of days. Please wish me luck and know that you are loved. (F/15/Bi)
Story #2206
When I came out I was about 14. I knew that I liked girls at the age of 12 but my family has strong religious beliefs so I knew telling them wasn’t an option. I had later decided that I was just going to disregard my attraction to girls and focus on men because at the time I thought I was bi. This was very hard on my mental health so when I was 14 I decided to tell my friends. I knew they wouldn’t care but I was just so uncomfortable talking about it that I never actually came out and said it. I just made jokes that would hint at my sexuality and I would talk about my female celebrity crushes a lot. This led to my friends asking if I was bi to which I then replied yes and they were so supportive and accepting. Now at 18 realized that I am actually gay and for the first time in my life I’m proud of it. I have yet to tell my parents but I am working on that soon. (F/18)
Story #2205
When I came out my mom looked at me and said that I’m not her daughter anymore and kicked my ass out of the house. Pls for all the closeted people pls don’t come out with homophobic parents! (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2203
When I came out it was very tough for me and my family. Everybody I was really close with turned their backs on me. People I loved thought I was joking. They say that I don’t know what I want in my life. It hurt me so bad to hear the people I love say that. I cried for hours because I had nobody; everybody left me, which hurt me very badly, but I got through it. Now I’m stronger than ever. They helped me a lot and they will eventually come to me and we will be a happy family again. (F)
Story #2201
When I came out I was at my grandparents’ house. My granny was talking about how “all gays go to hell, ” so I got up and walked away. My dad asked where I was going and I replied with “to hell, apparently.” (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2198
When I came out I told my close friend, who told me she was too, which had confused me. Surprisingly most of my friends were supportive, but a year later I told my homophobic grandparents who I was living with at the time and they kicked me out. I have lived with my bisexual stepmom and dad who love me to death. In the greater end everything was ok! (F/13/Bi) 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈💓💜💙
Story #2195
When I came out my mom was accepting! I have not told my dad yet, but I did tell my friend and he’s fine with it! I just wish my uncle and aunt and their kids weren’t homophobic… (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #2192
When I came out to my sister two months ago, she kind of just shrugged it off at first. She then squealed and hugged me saying that she already knew and kind of guessed it. She’s had my back since then and I’m lucky to have her! She’s 11 now and loves drawing Pride art for me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2188
When I came out to my sister, she actually took it pretty well. She is 10 years old (two younger than me) and I called her into my room. I explained to her what LGBTQ+ was, and then explained that I was Pan. She just blankly stared at me for 10 nerve-racking seconds and then shrugged and told me ok, and promised not to tell anyone. She is the only one I have come out to. Sometimes she gives Gay characters in shows flack. If I hear her say anything disrespectful, I hide ONE of her socks 😀 (F/12/Pansexual, still figuring myself out)