When I came out, my friends were actually very accepting and supportive of me. Since last year, I knew I wasn’t 100 percent straight, but I wasn’t 100 percent gay either; labeling myself as bi didn’t feel right either. For a few months, I identified myself as ace, but deep down inside I love people regardless of their gender. I came out as pansexual to my mom yesterday, and she was fortunately very supportive of me. I’m still kind of questioning my sexuality, but right now, I identify myself as pansexual. (F/17/Pansexual)
Story #2216
When I came out it was hard. I had realized not too long ago. I had gotten my hair cut. But it wasn’t the length I wanted, so I cut it off. My mom took away technology from me for a while. Saying the internet influenced me to do so. I have always been a tomboy, and I hated my body since 5th grade. I just thought it was body dysphoria. I may have not had gender dysphoria my whole life, but the euphoria was always there. I came out to family and some friends. But haven’t been able to transition yet. (F/Lesbian/transgender)
Story #2215
When I came out to my friend, I told her I was bi, and she said, “What?” because she didn’t know what it meant. I told her it means I like boys and girls and she’s like, “OK.” Then, I made her swear not to tell anyone and she did so. My friends all are very supportive and the best friends I could ever ask for. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #2214
When I came out it was only a couple of days ago to my bi friends. They accepted me and congratulated me. Today, I came out to one of my “homophobic-ish” friend. She said it was ok and accepted me but I don’t really know how she actually feels about it. I would really want to come out to my family but they are super religious and homophobic so I’m not really sure. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #2213
When I came out to my best friend, she was so accepting and acted like I didn’t change at all. I told her I have a crush on her, and she didn’t seem to care. Again, she acted like I was the same friend she’s known since 2nd grade. I came out to my other friend and a little later, she came out to me as bi too. I haven’t told my parents yet, but I’m scared to death and I think my parents are biphobic. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #2212
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)