When I came out, I had a crush on my friend who is 3 years older than me. She’s religious but I knew that she wasn’t against LGBTQ. I thought about my feelings for a while and I had lost my feelings for her because we respect each other and support each other a lot and I didn’t want to lose that. I was terrified to come out to her and I also confessed that I had a crush on her but I no longer did. She took it so well and said that she fully supports me and that my sexuality doesn’t change how she views me and I just feel so relieved and happy to have someone who supports and cares about me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2671
When I came out, I was fourteen. I came out to my best friend, on snapchat, because I think I liked a girl. At the time, it felt like the scariest thing ever, but since then I’ve come out to a few of my other friends. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2667
When I came out, It was during a field trip. My mom, who was involved with fundraisers for our school, decided to volunteer. One of the kids that I didn’t like saw me and my mom board the bus and outed me, saying: “HEY, DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU’RE GAY?” I was hurt and my mom looked at me, at the kid, back at me, and escorted me to my seat. For about thirty minutes, me and my mom sat in awkward silence before she held my hand and told me she loved me no matter what. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2666
When I came out, it was a total accident. I had been flirting with my crush (a girl) over texts, and one day my parents decided to check it… I got my phone privileges taken because my parents thought I was gay. Because Asians… After that, I pretended I was straight to my parents and at school I was myself. One day I was chilling and it hit me, am I really BiSEXUAL? Like, I don’t want to have sex or anything… So I researched. And I discovered BIROMANTIC. (F/13/Biromantic)
Story #2665
When I came out I was at the doctor’s office. My mum wasn’t in the room but my doctor was, and she asked me about how school and life were going. Then she asked about dating, and when I said people had started dating, she asked whether I knew if I liked boys or girls. I hesitantly told her “girls, I think.” She didn’t even blink and simply accepted me. I’m writing this later in the day that it happened and it feels like a dream. I hope others are as acceptive. (F/14/Sapphic)
Story #2663
When I came out, it was the day after I turned 14. My sister (who is also lesbian) kind of guessed, so I never had to come out to her. But the day after my birthday, there was this girl from school I was on a walk with. She had come out as bi to me and her friends the week before. It was getting dark outside, so I told her, “Can I tell you a secret you can’t tell anybody else?” She pinkie promised she wouldn’t tell anyone, and then I told her, “I think… I think I’m gay.” Then I told her when I started to realise it and stuff. She was super accepting, and then she told me her coming out story. It was scary, because even though I knew she wouldn’t hate me, I had never said the words “I’m gay” out loud before. But I am so glad I did it. I feel so seen, and so understood. It feels so refreshing to not have to pretend to be straight! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2661
When I came out, I only came out to one friend, my best friend, because I don’t think my parents will accept me. I hope one day I can tell them, but for now I am scared and don’t feel safe. After telling my friend I felt so free. Before I even came out to myself I thought I was evil, that I was disgusting. I struggled with depression, an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts; I still do but it is better. Some days are hard but it’s better; I have my ups and downs but I now there is at least one person who accepts me for who I truly am and who will always be there for me. I know I’m not completely out but to someone who is still closeted, telling at least one person helps so much. Knowing you aren’t alone and someone cares is so amazing and just know if you are struggling with internal thoughts it gets better, it really does. (F/16/Bi)
Story #2658
When I came out, it started slowly. I told my wife first, then my sister-in-law who lives with us, then my kids. When I was in the process of changing everything legally, the government sent a card, I think it was about voter registration, to my former address, where my parents still lived. The card was addressed to my new name. Immediately, they began attempting to convince me to come over so they could correct me (my sperm donor is a pastor of a very conservative church), essentially offering me conversion therapy. At this point, I just made my identity completely public, resulting in a few supportive members of my extended family, but also several cut ties. (MtF/33/Lesbian/poly)
Story #2657
When I came out I was outed at school. I was very feminine even though I was assigned male at birth, so a couple of bullies searched my backpack when I was in the bathroom and found my ‘female stash’, which was full of makeup and perfume and other womanly things. Those bullies took a picture and posted it all over their stories and everyone started calling me trans, and where I’m from, when the principal hears about a closeted child, it is mandatory for them to inform parents. My parents were angry and scolded me, saying I was confused and that gender dysphoria is fake and transgenderness is a sin and stuff like that. Now, I feel uncomfortable and insecure in my family and at school. (Trans [MtF]/14)
Story #2652
When I came out, I only told friends I could trust. When I first told my parents I was questioning my sexuality, they were supportive, but said that I was “too young to know for sure” and that it was probably “just a phase.” Over the years, I realized that I liked both boys and girls, so I’ve since accepted my bisexual identity. I’ve told friends who I can trust, and they have all been really supportive. Now, I’m proud of who I am, and don’t feel the need to hide anymore. (F/13/Bisexual)