When I came out I had no clue what to expect from my family. My dad didn’t care when I came out as bi but went on a religious rant when I came out as trans about how it wasn’t true and I was wrong. He still does that along with my stepmom. My mother took it really well and is really supportive of me, and i’m truly grateful to have her in my life. (F/16/Bi/Trans)
Story #1744
When I came out it was very unexpected. I’d told maybe 7 of my closest friends and definitely not my parents. I said about a year beforehand to a bi friend (we came out to each other and I have a massive crush on her but haven’t said) that I would never lie about my sexuality and I stuck to that. This girl was going round the classroom asking if we were lesbian (all-girl school) and I was the last person to ask of course so I said yes! I’d expected the rumours to spread but so far no one has said anything. It’s so relieving for everyone to know. Not my mum, though; she is abusive and I live alone with her so I’ll tell her when I get married. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1743
When I came out it was totally by accident. I hadn’t even admitted it to myself and had been losing sleep over it. Then my friend was like, “I think I’m the only gay one at my school” and it just popped out. Now I’ve come out to a few friends and last night I came out to my mom. She was awesome and apparently half of my Catholic Irish family is lesbian (yay). Now I need to tell my dad and I will try to tell my class. My dad’s side is extremely conservative but I think my dad will be good. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #1741
When I came out to my older cousin (who is gay) I texted him the songs “Girls,” “Girls Like Girls,” “Same Love,” and a few others. He texted back, “Are you trying to tell me something?” Then he told me he loved me and told my mom for me. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1740
When I came out to myself, I cried. I was reading a book with a lesbian couple, and I found myself thinking, “This is what I want.” I didn’t tell anyone until towards the start of 8th grade when I told my mom, almost by accident. I’m incredibly lucky that my mom is extremely liberal, so I just told her off-hand when she was talking to her sister on the phone. She’s been super helpful since then. However, coming out to other people since then has been terribly hard. At my school, there’s an underlying homophobia that detracts me from telling my friends. Only three friends know, two of which (including my crush) I told on accident, the other guessed. Every day I feel like I’m lying to myself, not telling people. But I’m sure that someday, I’ll find my courage, and I encourage you to find yours. (F/13/Bisexual)
Story #1739
When I came out I was at a restaurant and was waiting for my food with my parents. I decided to come out a bit early. Keep in mind that I had tried to come out to my dad before but didn’t have the courage to, and I grew up in a straight environment. So I grabbed a piece of paper and drew my pride flag. I had my dad and stepmom guess the flag. So I think they got the hint. (F/12/Pansexual)
Story #1738
When I came out I was crying because of how depressed I was, and my parents were mad because I wasn’t telling them what was going on. Then I finally told them and my sister and started crying even more. They said they still loved me and will support me no matter what. Now, my parents and 15-year-old sister know, and about eight of my friends know. I am planning on telling more people in around 8th grade. (F/12/Bisexual)
Story #1736
When I came out, I showed my mum a compilation of photos with writing up the top saying: “Which of these people are not a lesbian?” (Idk). She didn’t get it, so I told her, “No, Mum. I like girls.” She was quite supportive but did question me later saying that feelings can change (basically saying it was a phase) but it’s not. (F/Lesbian)
Story #1735
When I came out it was to my BFF at the time (who I was secretly in love with) and she said, “I thought something was up.” She was super supportive. Sadly, I am no longer in contact with her. When I came out to mom, however, I wanted to die because I knew she was an extremely strict Christian and doesn’t support it. She recently told me, “I love you but do not support the sin.” And, now? Being 17, I just do not give a crap anymore. BE YOURSELF, OWN IT! You will be happier. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #1734
When I came out, my friend (who was openly gay) and I were joking about how my parents thought I was gay and he asked me if I was. I leaned into his ear and whispered, “Not straight.” We had a long discussion. My other friend, who is straight, was extremely supportive as he has always been of the LGBTQ community. At this point I’ve told 5 people including my old best friend who told me I shouldn’t like a girl more than her (so that relationship had to end) but in a year I plan to be fully out. (F/14/Bi?/Lesbian)