When I came out, my parents weren’t sure if it was a joke. In eighth grade, my friends and I made a pact to all come out with the classic “I’m straight, April fools!” to parents, and I sent the text right before two long hours of swim practice. My dad was silent the car ride home, until he asked if I was serious about my text. He said, “So, are you gay?” and I said “Kinda?” and after clarifying to my mom she said, “Okay” and that was that — I guess that was all I could ask for. The subject will never not be awkward; they will never not make subtly homophobic comments; it will take a lot for me to feel comfortable in my sexuality around my family. Still, I can be grateful. (F/16)
Story #2645
When I came out to my mom I was 16 and she said, “I know.” Honestly I felt relieved that she didn’t say anything negative. Which was better than her bf reaction who told me if I don’t change I am going to hell. My mom accepts me and supports me even if she does say unflavory words about other people in the community that I always correct her on. (F/19)
Story #2639
When I came out, I told my friend in a text message ‘I am queer 🏳️🌈’. I knew she was an ally, but it was still terrifying and she was one of the first people I had told. She was so supportive, and now I feel that our friendship has become even stronger and better. I still haven’t told my parents as I think they would just say that I am confused, but to know I have a supportive friend makes life so much easier. ❤️❤️❤️ (F/13/Queer)
Story #2632
When I came out to myself in September 2022 I thought I was Bi and then later I went to thinking I was Gay then Poly then I started to realize I wasn’t Male and identified as NB for some time then I found that I was Very Feminine so I went to thinking I was a Demi-girl then to knowing I am a Trans Female and Pansexual. And I made this because I wanted to share part of the process of Discovery that comes with being LGBTQ+ (Trans MtF/11/Pansexual)
Story #2630
When I came out, I was in 6th grade and at the time thought I was aroace. My friends were playing a game of “Skeleton in Your Closet” (which is where everyone says a deep secret) and I randomly decided, on a whim, to come out to them. But just as I went to whisper “I’m aroace”, something inside me made me say “I’m a lesbian” instead. Well, a year later, it turns out that I actually am a lesbian after all! My friends were so accepting and it turned out most of them are queer as well. I’m holding off on coming out to my family because they say they are accepting but I don’t feel ready. Sending good wishes to all the queer people who are about to come out!!! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2622
When I came out, I didn’t directly come out to my brother. I had a bisexual flag sticker on my water bottle and he saw it and he said, “I know what that means and if you need anyone to talk to about that stuff I’m here because I didn’t have anyone when I was your age” and we cried for a while and he ended up coming out to my mom as gay later that night so I didn’t feel alone. I love my brother. (F/13)
Story #2617
When I came out my parents just said it’s a phase and kind of just ignored me and my life. I had to celebrate pride month closeted. It hasn’t really gotten better. (F/13/Pansexual)
Story #2614
When I came out, I was in fifth grade and had a huge crush on one of my best friends. Before this I was convinced I was straight, because I didn’t know what a crush was and just said I had crushes on random boys. My friend group found out I had a crush and played twenty questions to try and figure it out at recess. Eventually they got pushy so I just went and patted my one friend (the one I was crushing on) on the head. Of course she was the only straight one in the group. One of my other friends then asked me, “So what’s your sexuality?” and I froze because I wanted to say Lesbian but I also had no idea (the only
sexualities I knew were Lesbian and Gay). After that I ran into the bathroom to hide, and as I ran I heard one of my friends ask, “Is she gay then?” and the other one lectured her on sexualities. (F/Sapphic)
Story #2610
When I came out, I was turning 14. I asked my parents if we could attend a Pride event, but my parents looked at me as if I was crazy. They were like: “Oh, that’s a horrible thing to attend.” And my uncle, who was listening, said: “What in the world are you thinking? That is a parade of sins!” I was heartbroken and I sort of disconnected myself from my family until my parents moved me to my aunt’s house for ‘personal reasons’. There, I was showered with love and acceptance and my aunt bought me my flag, which was the lesbian flag, and she even took me to local Pride events. This June, we’re going to attend a Pride Dance at the country club in my neighborhood. Sadly, next year will be my last year with my aunt because I’m moving back. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2608
When I came out I was still struggling with internalized homophobia. I wrote my mom a letter, explaining that I like girls, and when she finished reading it, she hugged me. Then she said “Honey, this is how you were born, and I love you for it.” I know not everybody has an easy time, but her reaction helped me to come out to the rest of my family. (F/17/Lesbian)