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)
Story #2052
When I came out, my dad threw the vase of flowers I had just brought home from my first girlfriend across the room. I was petrified — he never acted that way. He wasn’t prepared; no one really was. A couple of my friends seemed to understand, or at least “love me through it”, but overall I wasn’t accepted for almost 4 years. Stay committed and stay strong. You’re never alone and the fight is so beyond worth it. Love whoever you love and do it with passion. Live your truth. (F/24/Pansexual)
Story #2050
When I came out I told my BFF (who is also bi) that I am attracted to both genders. She accepted me and helped me write a letter to my crush. My crush rejected. At first, I was sad. Then my bi friend told me that I was her crush. We are now girlfriends. I then told my dad. He is confused about my “choice”. I will soon come out to my mom (who is a lot stricter). Wish me luck (F/Bi)
Story #2048
When I came out, I had been hiding it for two years being bi a couple months before I came out I decided I was gay. I was on FaceTime with my girlfriend and she told me that either I was gonna tell my mom or she was so it was 9:45 pm. I texted my mom and told her I needed to talk to her. She came up to my room and I went blank. The first thing she asked was “Are you pregnant?” My immediate response was “It’s not possible in this case.” After a couple of minutes I finally said, “I’m gay.” She smiled and said she loved me. She told my dad for me and she said he saw it coming so he wasn’t surprised. (F/16/Lesbian)