When I came out I was 11; I’m now 12. People say I’m confused, and that it’s a phase. I’ve known I was a lesbian for years now but was too afraid to come out. My family is very religious (Catholic) and extremely homophobic. My mother mocked me daily after my “coming out” and my parents divorced because my father didn’t want a lesbian daughter. My classmates supported me unconditionally and my teacher even set up a pride group! I even have a girlfriend now and I pretty much live at her house. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2013
When I came out, I wrote a letter with my parents explaining that I wasn’t straight because I was too scared to do it in person. They reacted by writing me a letter back and putting it on my bed. It said that they loved and supported me, and while reading it burst into tears of relief. (F/13)
Story #2012
When I came out to my mom it was two weeks before Christmas. I told her I was pansexual and she asked me what that meant. After I told her what it meant she told me that she loves me no matter what and as long as I was happy she would be okay with it. I told my brother before anyone else; he told me that he didn’t care as long as I was happy he was okay with it. He also told me that I would still be his sister no matter who I loved. I told my sister after my mom; she said she always that she knew and that she still loved me the same. I haven’t told my dad though; one day I will tell him and the rest of my family that I’m pansexual but that’s nowhere near soon. (F/13/Pansexual)
Story #2011
When I first “came out” to my gay guy friend, he tried to convince me that I should come out to my mom. I told him I wanted to but I was really scared to do so. My parents are divorced so I don’t care if my dad knows. I chickened out on the idea of coming out to my mom and two years later she found out on her own. I’m bisexual, and my mom found out when I was 13, last year. She thinks it’s a phase but she still loves me. Then I came out with my best friend and she was super supportive and really awesome about it. I’m considering coming out to the world in 2020, so wish me luck! (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #2008
When I came out, I was on a bus back from a trip with cadets, and I was sitting with one of my friends, and I just brought it up. I told her that I was bisexual, and she was very accepting. I had originally planned to come out as pansexual, but very few people in my community understand the difference between pan and bi, so I identify as bi to most people, but there are a few other LGBTQ+ people who do know that I’m actually pan. I do plan on explaining that I’m actually pansexual one day, but right now I just don’t have the confidence to do it. (F/15/Pansexual)
Story #2005
When I came out, it was to a friend who is bisexual. We were speaking about crushes and I told her I like somebody in our choir class. Our choir class is all girls so she asked if I was bi. I said yes and she was like, “I knew it, my gaydar was on high alert”. Now I have to come out to my other friends and my mom. I am NOT looking forward to telling my mom (she scares me and has already threatened to disown for other reasons). (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2004
When I came out that was the greatest feeling I have ever felt; I felt like I was finally out to who I am. I am studying in a convent. One of my besties is the sports head (V) of our school and the other one is the deputy head prefect (M). Suddenly it got revealed that our tycondo coach and one of our younger grade sisters are in a romantic relationship. M acted so homophobic and V was cool with it, and I came out to V and when I said it she told me that she was also lesbian. And she said she will be there for me no matter what it is. So I was relieved… (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2001
When I came out, I was 14. I have only come out to like two people as of right now, but my best friend is gay and I have known about myself being bisexual for a long time, I just was too scared to come out. I texted my friend and I basically just told him that I’m bisexual and I haven’t told anyone and I’m scared to tell anyone because I’m super afraid of being bullied and also, my grandpa is a Baptist church pastor and Baptists don’t really agree with that kind of stuff. He was so supportive; he said, “I’m so sorry, honey, I really don’t know what to say. Just know that I love you anyway and if you ever need to talk abt it let me know. It is very hard to come out, don’t try to come out unless you’re sure.” I started crying and since then, I’ve made a lot more friends in the LGBTQ+ group. I manage soccer and he manages with me, the coach is lesbian, and two of the other managers are also bisexual, so I feel like I have a lot of support coming from the people who know. I just don’t feel like I can come out to my parents. (F/15/Bisexual)
Story #1999
When I came out to my friends it wasn’t super high stakes because like half of my lunch table is LGBTQIA+ and the rest either don’t really care about sexualities or are super supportive. I had already been questioning if I was bi but nope I’m a lesbian!! My ace friend is getting me a flag on amazon cuz I obviously can’t ask my parents for it yet cuz I’m not out to them. I’m hoping once the flag comes I can be a dramatic girl and come out of the closet (literally) wearing my pride flag when my parents get home! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #1998
When I came out as lesbian to my mom, she was very accepting of my identity and shared this information with some of my family. When I answered a call from my sister (who’s bisexual) later that month, she greeted me with “Congratulations on coming ooouuut!” I was fine with my mom telling people about my sexual orientation, but the one person I did not want finding out was my dad, since he was a little homophobic. When my mom told him, I was panicking really hard and frankly even a little angry with her, but then she told me that he went to a Pride Parade after learning I was gay just so he could understand and support the LGBT+ a little better. My dad has some homophobic views, yes, but his love for his daughter won out over that, and I was incredibly happy to hear that. I have not come out to everyone I know yet, but I’ll know when the time is right. (F/Lesbian)