When I came out I was scared to death because I didn’t want to admit I was a lesbian. Soon I found out that people didn’t care that I was gay as long as I was happy. I’ve recently come out to my intimate family and some cousins and one of my grandparents. I hope that one day I don’t have to worry about coming out, but it still scares me even after all this time. Until then I’ll just be me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2066
When I came out, I came out to my best friends first and that changed my life because all my other mates that I told didn’t accept me, so I told my best friends and they accepted me for who I was. It turns out that my other best friend was gay as well and finally we got together, and we love each other so, so much, but I haven’t told my mum or dad yet. But I told my aunt and she is always making sure that I believe in myself and stay happy because of who I am. (F/11/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2065
When I came out I felt like the luckiest person alive as I had a lot of supportive friends and family. Unfortunately, one of my friends has been really distant with me lately. When I asked her why, she said she didn’t want me to have a crush on her so we have stopped being friends. I am very lucky to have the best parents ever. Although my dad doesn’t really get it, he still loves me. (F/Bi/lesbian)
Story #2064
When I came out, it was over FaceTime with two of my best camp friends, one gay and one straight. When I told them, my straight friend was super supportive but my gay friend seemed skeptical. When I told her I was bisexual, she asked me if I was faking it or if I was really sure, and she justified this with “I don’t really trust bi girls”. Ouch. I haven’t told anybody else.
Story #2062
When I came out for the first time it was with my best friend. I told her that I wasn’t sure I didn’t think I was straight because I had feelings for girls. She accepted it and I can now say that I am bisexual. I have since come out to a few of my other friends and my cousins. I have also told my mum, but not my dad as he is openly homophobic and I am still trying to muster the courage to sit him down and tell him. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2060
When I came out it was at church with my friend. She said to me, “I have a crush on a girl,” and I hadn’t told anyone I’ve liked girls since I knew what liking someone meant. “I’m gay,” I told her. She was so nice about it, and I have four friends who know; one is pan, one is gay, one is bi, and one is questioning. Now I have to come out to my conservative, Christian, homophobic grandmother whom I live with. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2058
When I came out to my friends they were excited to have a bi girl in the friend group. Then later some of them started to tell me to pick a side. Today everyone is OK with it. (Female/14/Bi)
Story #2056
When I came out I was in 4th grade (I was 10) and my friends were creeped out but supportive. I had a crush on one of my friends and I told her. She just grinned and said, “Cool!” I got over her and the next year I got a major crush on my other friend. I told her and she rejected my friendship. Now I have a crush on my hot music teacher. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2054
When I came out, I did not plan it, but I came out to my best friend and then I came out to my dad. He told my mom and they kicked me out. Now I live with my girlfriend. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2053
When I came out I was at a political summer camp and I met two girls who both identified as gay. I thought they were really cool and smart and when they talked everyone listened, and I realized that being queer doesn’t stop you from being influential in politics. I talked to one of them and she hugged me and said she believed in me. On the train going home, I texted my friends this long text about how I was figuring out my sexuality. They all responded and said they loved me and I cried in the train. Pete Buttigieg dropped his campaign today and even though I am a Bernie supporter I am sad because I want a queer president so I guess I have to be the first. (F/16/Queer)