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)
Story #1996
When I came out it was first to my best friend who has lesbian parents so I knew she’d be accepting. We were walking around her neighbourhood and we sat on a bench and I finally worked up the courage to tell her: “You know how you asked me if I liked anyone but didn’t specify the gender? Well, it was a girl.” She was obviously very accepting and later came out to me. She is helping me come out to even more people and is still my best friend. (F/Gay)
Story #1995
When I came out, I was sitting in church at a Christian youth camp together with a friend. My sexuality had been on my mind for most of the week and at a certain moment I couldn’t hold it in any longer; after the service I asked my friend for a hug and broke down crying. In tears, I told her that I thought I might be into girls and she reacted very positively. I repeated this the next day with a guy I had met on that camp, who then came out to me as well! It was a great relief to finally be able to talk about it, especially with someone who was in the same boat as me. (F/19/Bi)
Story #1990
When I came out I was 27 and in an online long-distance relationship with a man whom I was about to meet for the first time in two years (no video chat back then). Feeling confused and trapped at the thought of an IRL interaction, I first told my counselor (who is lesbian) hoping she would help me figure out what was wrong with me but surprisingly, she mocked me. So, upon the return of a blunderingly exhausting trip of avoiding his advances in every way and once again being able to hide behind the safety of my computer monitor, I ungracefully told him that I was attracted to a whole list of actresses and cowardly asked if he understood what that meant. Obviously he got very angry, told me I was wasting his time, that the last two years had meant nothing, and that I was not trying hard enough to love him. We never spoke again but I hope he found real love and is happy. (F/50/Lesbian)
Story #1989
When I came out I told many of my friends. They either support me or don’t care; most support me though. I plan in making a LGBTQ club in my school soon, to show people there is a safe place to come for LGBTQ people. I bought two LGBTQ+ flags, one of LGBTQ and one bisexual one. I had the LGBTQ one hanging in the center of my room and I accidentally left my door open; my mom actually saw it and asked about it, if I knew what it meant and if I was any of those, and I explained I was bisexual and that I was terrified to tell cause I thought she wouldn’t accept me and she accepted me. I started to break into tears hearing she was OK with it. I’m bringing my bisexual flag to my dad and seeing what happens after that. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #1988
When I came out I was 13 years old. I only came out to one person, but it was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done. I texted my friend, who is Bi, and just kind of said “So I’m Bi…” After that I threw my phone on the bed and didn’t check my messages for at least 10 minutes. When I did check it all she had said was “Cool! :)” Even though it was such a small response, it made me so happy to finally be out to someone and have them accept me. (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #1985
When I came out it was a total accident. I had already come out to my closest friends but my classmates didn’t know. I was sitting in class and the boy in front of me used gay as an insult. I was p*ssed so I said, “Don’t say that” and he turned around and said “What, are you gay?” And I said, “Well, yes, I am!” That shut him up. And that’s how I came out to my entire class. (F/15/Bisexual/pansexual)