When I came out I was still struggling with internalized homophobia. I wrote my mom a letter, explaining that I like girls, and when she finished reading it, she hugged me. Then she said “Honey, this is how you were born, and I love you for it.” I know not everybody has an easy time, but her reaction helped me to come out to the rest of my family. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2607
When I came out, life was terribly hard. I told my parents I was lesbian and they completely did not like it. They’ll purposely talk bad about me and I felt heartbroken. My best friend outed me after she discovered my journal and exposed me. Now, everyday and everywhere, I feel like I don’t belong and it just makes me feel sad. The only one who accepted me was my older brother who lives four hours away. But, two more years and I’ll be able to move away and enjoy being me. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2605
When I came out to my best friend I was so afraid because she is a very strong homophobic. I came out over text not wanting to see her disgusted face if I told her in person. She texted back and told me she loves and supports me and I cried lol I love her so much ❤️❤️ She’s also now figuring out her own identity as an asexual 💜💜 (F/Lesbian)
Story #2603
When I came out I was 15 and terrified. I realized I liked girls somewhere around sixth grade, and I just couldn’t tell my mom. We were really close because I’m an only child and my dad left when I was two. In my freshman year of high school, I knew I had to tell her because it was impacting our relationship, and killing me to be keeping something from her. I just told her my crush’s name the next time she asked and she said, “I know, hon, it’s fine. What do you think of my boyfriend?” Her boyfriend is the best, and trust me, it does get better! (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2599
When I came out, it was around the mid 2000s, possibly 2004 or 2005, but I didn’t have a clue about what the LGBTQ was and I was diagnosed with anxiety issues and whatnot. I told my therapist first and she was fairly supportive and even encouraged me to tell my parents. I mustered up the courage to tell my parents at dinner that night, and my parents smiled and told me I will be loved no matter what I am. I was proud and nowadays I even thank my therapist, who sadly died in 2021 due to cancer. I got married in 2017 with a beautiful wife – who is trans and bi – and we live happily with our two-month-old twins and rowdy golden retriever. (F/34/Lesbian)
Story #2598
When I came out, it was terribly hard. I first came out as pansexual to my parents, and they both accepted me, But when I came out to my friends, they just walked away. I don’t know if they accepted me or not, but they’ll walk away whenever I am near them. (F/14/Pansexual)
Story #2597
When I came out I had a really supportive family. Me and my dad were just talking about my day and then all the sudden my dad asked me if I was gay. I think he got the idea because I was reading all these queer stories and like buying pride flags. When I told him he said, “Well, I’m proud of you.” And I felt really accepted. Soon after I came out to my siblings. It took some time for them to understand; everything can be very confusing especially at a young age. (F/she/they/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2596
When I came out we were at a family gathering, and my uncle then came up with the topic of love and asked me if I had a boyfriend yet. I just shook my head and told him and the rest of my family that I didn’t even want to have a boyfriend and that I was lesbian. My family was really supportive and my cousin (15M) even unexpectedly came out with me as bi. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2593
When I came out… I was 8 or 9. I was watching a Barbie show and fell in love with the pretty pink dresses and cutesy bows and I told my mom, who was three months pregnant with my little sister, that I wanted to be a girl. She was at first surprised but she placed her hand on my shoulder and told her that she’ll love me no matter who or what I become. However, when I came out to my dad, who just returned from a work trip, he was disgusted and said that God made man and woman, not abominations. My mom argued with him and my dad still disrespects me and refers to me as a he/him. (Transgender/MtF/12/Bisexual)
Story #2592
When I came out, I was not only kicked out but was also talked crap about. I came out to my parents as trans and they were furious. My mom called me a disgrace and that she should’ve never had my aunt, who is also trans, to babysit me when I was 10. My dad shook his head and told me to pack my belongings. I was heartbroken and I moved into my best friend’s apartment. Two or three weeks later, I found out my mom was talking crap about me to my Aunt Leslie (the trans one). Since my aunt loved me for who I am, she called me and told me everything will be OK. Afterwards, I started to go on hormones, which made me moody and when my mom called me to apologize, I screamed at her. But that was two years ago and now everything is OK. (I don’t talk to my parents anymore but I still chat with my aunt.) (Female/MtF/19/Straight)