When I came out to my friends I felt kinda scared. I had already come out to my (now) girlfriend as bi and she came out to me as well as bi (I am now a lesbian). Most of my friends also are LGBTQ+ and or allies. We all basically became “super LGBTQ+” and met quite a few more queer friends. We now consist of a lesbian (me), 4 bisexuals, 3 trans folk, a pansexual, and about 10 allies. I feel very accepted and am very happy that we are all friends. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2118
When I came out, it was to my mom. We were having a late-night heart-to-heart, and I kept thinking that there wasn’t going to be a better time than this. When I told her, I had her guess, and she guessed that it had something to do with me not knowing whether I liked guys or girls. I came out, and then started crying. I was so relieved, because I hated lying. She was super supportive, although she did say it might be a phase. Good luck, all! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2117
When I came out I was really scared. I have homophobic parents — well, mom — and I had already come out to some of my friends. My brother was my only family member who knew and he helped me through tough times of figuring myself out. I decided to let my mom know I was pansexual and asexual because she always insulted the LGBTQIA+ and I was getting hurt a lot but nothing changed once I came out to her. Instead she said stuff like I’m gross, I’m a sin, it’s just a dumb phase, stuff like that hurt a lot. I don’t have many friends so I would try to just move on with myself and be happy with who I am even though if I really am a disappointment but it’s alright. I’m happy being me and expressing what and who I love. I mean, I can’t help it. (F/15/PanAce)
Story #2112
When I came out to my mom, I was already out to my friends who were all nothing but kind and supportive. I expected for my mom to be accepting as well, but she wasn’t. After I told her, she went on a walk in a huff, and I called my best friend, telling her what happened between sobs. She dropped everything and picked me up, got me Starbucks, and hugged me while I cried. Even though my mom’s reaction wasn’t what I hoped it would be, my dad reacted positively, and I have amazing friends that are my chosen family. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2109
When I came out my family accepted it but didn’t like it. They love me and they accept me but we never speak of it and they very quickly stopped asking me about the romantic parts of my life. But I found more family that just happens to not be blood related. I found my lgbt family. Not only do they love and unconditionally accept me but they encourage me to talk about my fears, my loves and everything in my heart. And I unconditionally love them and with them I’ve been happier than ever. (F/50/Lesbian)
Story #2108
When I came out it was to my mum. I told her I had something to tell her. We sat down and I realised how scared I was. I was crying and when I finally told her she said she didn’t mind and was really supportive. It was such a weight off my shoulders and now I have to work on telling my dad and sister. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2107
When I came out to my brother today, it was entirely spontaneous and unplanned. I knew he would be supportive, I wasn’t worried about that, I just hadn’t felt ready to admit it to anyone yet. I asked him if he would tell our grandparents if he dated anyone of the same gender (he’s bicurious) and he said yes. He asked me if I would; I said that I don’t think I would. He asked if there was a possibility of that happening. I shut the door and just admitted everything: “Yeah, had my first crush on a girl when I was in year 7, and I think I’ve always liked them like that”. He said he wasn’t surprised and had always wondered. We laughed about it for a minute or two and then my mom walked in so we dropped the convo. I feel confused about it all, but like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel proud. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #2106
When I came out as a lesbian I did it through a letter to a close friend. I was extremely nervous and it took me close to ten minutes to just hit the send button even though I know it would be fine. She’s really accepting, and she doesn’t care at all. I’m more concerned about the rest of my friends, though, because of all of them being rather homophobic. Oh well. Wish me luck! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2104
When I came out I felt like it was impossible to say the words. I just told my mum that I had to tell her something and then couldn’t get a word out. She eventually said, “Just come out and say it” so I laughed (through my tears) saying that she just made a pun and I let her figure it out on her own. She was accepting and I’m proud of who I am. Every day it gets easier to say those words: I’m gay. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2103
When I came out to my mom I was 9, and I thought I was bi. We were driving home from my soccer practice, and it just slipped out. She didn’t really react, but she makes a lot of jokes about it now. About a year later I had yet to crush on a boy, and I realized I was probably lesbian. I never told her that straightforward (haha now I’m doing it too) but I think she gets the memo. Last night though, I woke up from a dream where I came out to everybody I know as pan, and I’m thinking that I might actually be pan and I’ve just never been attracted to anybody but girls. I guess I’m just gonna have to reevaluate myself or something. (F/12/Questioning)