When I came out to my mom today, I had been planning it out for a long time, and last night I wrote a letter telling my mom how I feel, how long, etc. It was about midnight, and I went and slipped the note under her door. I could barely sleep after that. I fell asleep around 2 am, and woke up at 7 am. When I woke up, I layed in bed for about an hour, nervous about what to do. It might sound a bit silly, but after a while I got so nervous about it that I went and sat in my closet for 20 minutes and thought about it. I knew that my mom would be supportive, but I was still scared. I finally went and sat on the couch in our living room, and a little bit later my mom came into the living room and told me she loved me and didn’t care who I loved. It was a short conversation, but it was nice. A couple hours later, I sat down next to her and asked her if she had any questions, and we talked about my experience for a while. No regrets. (F/14/Bi/lesbian)
Story #2734
When I came out to my mom I first tried to come out over a phone call. I was so scared, all I could say to her was that I had been wearing girls clothes. I felt ashamed and embarrassed as I hung up and went to work. Before I clocked in I texted her the full truth and that I was sorry for lying to her, that I wanted to be her daughter. Now my mother, to her great shame, had fallen asleep after our call that morning. She left that text unopened for 3 hours of blind panic at work. She did accept me. She later had some fumbles with our relationship but I am very proud of how she handled my coming out (F/28/Trans feminine)
Story #2733
When I came out I was around late twelve/early 13. I basically had a hunch in fifth grade but I was so confused. I was attracted to a bunch of random girls and didn’t have a full crush until 7th grade which is when I told my friends. I’ve only told two people irl but they’re accepting of it. Coming out for real is honestly super scary because what if all the girls in my grade are disgusted with me (I go to a small school). And idk some of my friends also gay jokes and I don’t want anyone to see me differently. (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2731
When I came out I had just turned 18. My best friend kept making homophobic remarks and I just decided I had had enough, so I painted a pride flag and hung it on the door of my room. My friend then came for a visit and saw it, then she asked me if I was queer. I came out as a lesbian and surprisingly, she has been really supportive — I don’t think I’ve heard a single negative remark from her since then. It made me believe that even homophobes can change, because the people who truly care about us won’t mind who we are and who we love. (F/19/Lesbian and demisexual)
Story #2729
When I came out it was a mess. I didn’t know who I was or who I loved. It was quite hard. I struggled finding me throughout primary school, but as soon as I went to high school it got better. I didn’t have an epiphany moment (which I wanted) but I learnt to love, love my friends, romantically other people and me. This part was quite difficult, I didn’t love me, but it’s been a year since then and now I do. I don’t know what I’m doing but I think I’m now ok with that. My love life is still certainly a mess but I can sleep at night not having any regrets. (F/13)
Story #2728
When I came out I was not at all ready for it, I came out to my family three weeks ago after my mom found a bisexual flag in my room. My whole family is LDS and weren’t unsupportive but they aren’t really supportive either. Even though I wasn’t ready to let the world see me, now that my family knows I feel so much freer and am glad it happened. I’ve come out to a lot of my friends at school and have even considered putting a Bi pin on my backpack. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2727
When I came out to my friend we were talking about crushes and I said, “I get the feeling you already know that I’m gay” and then I said who I liked at the time. It was terrifying to press send on that text but turns out that she is bi and we’re buddies still to this day. Having good people around you makes all the difference in life. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2722
When I came out, I started by beading myself a bunch of pride jewelry and ordering a black and purple ring to wear on the middle finger of my right hand. I often wrote about being aroace with strangers on the internet. I didn’t specifically tell anyone I knew in real life for a few years, because I didn’t think they would understand my lack of attraction. I finally brought it up in conversation with one of my best friends, and she was very supportive. Maybe someday I’ll tell my family about my orientation too. (Wonderful woman/Fabulous fifties/Amazing aroace)
Story #2713
When I came out, I texted my parents at 10 at night. My mum saw, then came and hugged me, and told me she loved me. My dad saw in the morning and was also very accepting. I texted a few of my open minded friends; one didn’t care, and one didn’t read it. Coming out to my bi friend at school after the holidays. Still to go: 9yo brother, Rest of friends, school, and extended family. For anyone wanting to come out, good luck, and you have my support. 🙂 (F/11/Bi/omni?)
Story #2708
When I came out I was thirteen, having just realized I was pan after an all-girls sleepover (very classic story, I know). I told my other queer friends, who were wonderfully supportive. Then I told my (now former) best friend, who was less accepting and outed me to everyone at our summer camp. My parents took a while to come around, and I’m still not sure if my mom completely gets it, but my dad insists on buying me pride merch. Today, I’m a queer college student with cool gay and straight friends 🙂 I remember being comforted by the stories on here back then, and now I’m proud to share mine. To anyone figuring out who they are: it’s okay not to know yet, and it’s okay for your identity to change, just remember that things will get better and you will find people in the world who love you for who you are. (Female(ish)/Queer)