When I came out, I was 19. My mother said she had a feeling when I told her, and she accepted everything about me. (She took that better than me being atheist.) It was the opposite for my dad. I came out to him last year, and he didn’t talk to me for a month; I was dead to him, as if I had died, as if he had “lost” me. One night he was super drunk and told me through my door that he missed me. It’s like nothing had happened now. He still wishes I would marry a man, but I’m going to stay true to my heart. If people ask I tell them, with a giant grin on my face. (F/21/Lesbian)
Story #2142
When I came out it wasn’t really a big thing. My classmate had been talking in chorus class about how pride month represented her. I came up to her the next day and asked her if she identified as lesbian. She said yes, then I told her I thought I might be lesbian too. She just hugged me. It was the best feeling. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2141
When I came out to a close friend, she seemed pretty supportive, but something seemed a bit off. Since then, every single time the idea of celebrity crushes or something is brought up, she always asks about mine, and always assumes that it’s a guy. Because of this I keep having to come out to her. It feels so invalidating. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2139
When I came out it was a few days after my best friend came out and I tried to tell my mum immediately. Then she told me not to follow the trend and to not label myself. I came out to my best friend and another two friends; they accepted me because one of them was bi. I haven’t come out to my dad and I haven’t since talked to my mum about it, I just don’t know how. I’m scared other people will unfriend me because my friend came out to a guy and he didn’t want to be her friend anymore. I’m just really hoping that my giant family isn’t homophobic. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #2136
When I came out, it was to myself, last year. I was in the locker room, when a cute girl (who I later learned was lesbian) jokingly asked me if I had abs. Now, since I have little to no social skills whatsoever in any given situation, I turned pink the face, laughed, said, “I wish,” and showed her my stomach. My first thought after that was, “Gosh, I’m an idiot.” My second thought was, “There’s no way I’m straight.” (F/16/Questioning)
Story #2135
When I came out to my parents I had always said that I was a bisexual. I realized that I was actually gay though so I re-came out. From then on I had built up an understanding of sexuality and gender and I have come to terms with my sexuality and acceptance within my community. Basically I’m hella gay. All my friends are accepting and I’ve even found myself a girlfriend 😊. I am very comfortable and open about my sexuality and don’t mind who the hell knows. I have yet to tell my extended family and I’m not sure they really need to know until I’m in a serious relationship/married. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2133
When I came out to my two best friends they both wholeheartedly supported me and we had the best conversation about sexuality, although they are both straight! I still haven’t told my family yet, but I know the right time will come soon, and I hope they will support me as much as my friends have! (F/18/Bisexual)
Story #2132
When I came out last year I was 14 and thought I was bi. But recently I realized I am a lesbian as society had made me want to be with a man even if I didn’t want to be. I’m now more comfortable within myself then I’ve ever been and I’m starting to come out again; however, I’m not planning on telling my parents I’m gay as they know I’m bi. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2129
When I came out, the first person I came out to was this inspirational and bisexual YouTuber I found online. We began messaging through Instagram and he was very helpful. What stuck with me the most was that he told me, “You either live your life or live to regret your life.” After him telling me this I’m starting to work on accepting myself and my sexuality. I’ve always been attracted to guys, but in middle school I started to become attracted to girls as well. I think I was always attracted to girls, but I’d always push it down because I have a Christian family. I’m still scared to tell my family, but I’m going to do it through a note soon. I don’t really know what label I want to take on, so I’m deciding to ditch them all. I’m really happy I’m not hiding myself fully though anymore. (F/Don’t know, but I’m happy)
Story #2127
When I came out, I was 14 and my friends were all hanging out in the basement. One suggested we play truth or dare and somehow we all decided to say our sexuality out loud. My friends wanted me to be the first one, and after a lot of freaking out I said I was a lesbian. Turns out only 1 out of the 8 of us is straight! Still waiting to tell my parents. (F/16/Lesbian)