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)
Story #2707
When I came out to my family, I was scared. I gave half-truths. “Would you accept me if I dated a man? How do you feel about my transfem friend?” Only after months of subtle questions did I, at 20 years old, finally admit to them: I am a woman. (F/29/Trans Fem/Pansexual/Lesbian)
Story #2700
When I came out it was just to my friends. My parents are homophobic, so I didn’t know that girls and girls were accepted. In 7th grade I found out I like girls and told a few friends. I’m in 9th now and gave a letter to my crush at the beginning of the year and got humiliated by all of the people in theatre. Now I have a crush on my best friend. (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2696
When I came out, it was a bit rough since I was already deemed a disappointment to my parents for being a teen parent. When they figured out that I was lesbian by going through my desk, they were clearly upset. But I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. Now, I’m a therapist helping people who are going through tough times. To those who wish to come out, be brave and confident! (F/27/Lesbian)