When I came out to my roommate the other night, I was really worried about how this could change our friendship. I’m 20 years old and it was my first coming out. I’ve known for 6 years but only recently felt safe and brave enough to actually talk about my feelings. I’m glad I did come out to her because it feels like I’m finally breaking free, and she assured me that she’s going to accept me no matter what. (F/20/Lesbian)
Story #2517
When I came out, I was a late bloomer. I was a teen in the 70’s, and … I never even considered telling anyone. Even in my 50’s, I wasn’t telling psychiatric practitioners. Along the way, only one close friend, who was extremely broad-minded, was let in on the secret. One Friday evening in 2018, when I was 59, it came to me like a gentle revelation as I watched a trans-related YouTuber. I was going to do it. I don’t live anywhere near family, but have a large contingent of friendly coworkers. I started slow, with very subtle nail color, and pierced my ears after a couple of months. I also started wearing women’s scents. All the changes were welcomed, and even cheered on, by the people at work. In the first year, I started laser hair removal on my face, and almost on the year anniversary, started hormone therapy. Shortly thereafter, I told my managers at work. The next winter, I ventured to work the first time en femme, in black slacks and an attractive top.. I was up to skirts in less than a week. And for Valentine’s day, I left Hershey’s kisses with “It’s a girl” stickers on the bottom, with a nice card for the entire staff. Very well-received. I have been so fortunate! Out and obvious before the lockdown. And this September … I had “the surgery.” I knew from the beginning I’d want that. I got there. (F/64/Lesbian)
Story #2514
When I came out to my (homophobic) parents I did it with a crossword puzzle. I left it for them before I went to school, so they would do it when I wasn’t around. Of course they waited until I was home to solve it. They told me they still love me. They said, ‘Everyone has challenges in this life, this is yours,’ and my mom was like, ‘Are you sure about this? I mean sometimes these things…’ We all know she was about to say, sometimes these things go away. (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #2511
When I came out I was 17 and living in a very strict religious household. I came out to my best friend from college who I had a massive crush on; turns out she felt the same way. I waited another year until I finished college and was at Uni before coming out to my family. Due to the strict religious nature of my upbringing I no longer talk with my family but am extremely happy with my now wife. (F/29/Lesbian)
Story #2509
When I came out I came out in two phases: once as bisexual (which I tried really hard to be) and now as lesbian. After a sequence of multiple abusive relationships, I told my friend that my attempt with this new guy was my absolute last shot with men. Five years later we moved across the country together, lived together, and had a wonderful healthy relationship. Going to college, we agreed to have an open relationship because I knew I liked women more but didn’t know how much more until this summer — in fact, until this summer I was wondering if I was just asexual because the only qualm he’d ever had in the relationship was that I wasn’t very physically affectionate. I learned very quickly that I am indeed not ace and instead a lesbian, a fact that was really hard for me to acknowledge because of how healthy my relationship with him was but I’m happy that he is still my best friend and now has a girlfriend who can love him for all that he is. (F/21/Lesbian)
Story #2508
When I came out, it was on my Snapchat story: I wrote “Happy Pride Month” and drew a pride flag. I got a lot of people in the following week asking if I was in the Community. One person even told me they were “glad I was experimenting”. It was the first time I encountered biphobia and it stung (I didn’t even realize how much it affected me until later that night). I call myself gay a lot, and so people are constantly saying “But aren’t you bi?” or “But that’s for guys. You’re lesbian.” It’s annoying, but unfortunately, something I just have to deal with in straight spaces, which is why I’ve joined my school’s GSA and a queer discord server. (F/14/Bisexual)
Story #2506
When I first came out, I was in 6th grade. It was to one of my closest friends. She hugged me and said she would always love me. I told more of my friends, and only one said he didn’t support me. I told my mom before I told my dad. I told one of my favorite teachers before my dad as well. I talk to her about the girls I like now, lol. My mom thought I was young, but now supports me. My dad said it was awesome. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2505
When I came out, I was a huge wreck, and I was about to go perform with a band and the singer was a girl I really liked. Right before I was about to go on, I started crying and I had a huge nosebleed, so my mum took me for a walk. There I confessed to her (through tears) that I was questioning and it wasn’t til today I realised the description of pansexual completely match what I feel. After like 2 years I have finally been able to come out to pretty much everyone I know and I’ve had nothing but love 🙂 (F/14/Pansexual)
Story #2502
When I came out I came out it was at a school skiing trip. I came out to a friend who I had a really big crush on and it turned out that those feelings were mutual. We had a great time sneaking about and kissing until a classmate spotted us and posted a video. Everyone was really shocked but generally supportive. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2501
When I first came out, I was 15. I was in denial about my infatuation with my same-sex best friend of four years. I was so confused about my emotions for so long that I’d write poetry about it for only my eyes to see. It took me those four years to finally realize and confess to her. For the longest time before that, I tried my hardest to appear like a ‘normal’ woman to a point where I rejected those part of the same identity as me and I’ve come to regret it. I used to essentially be a ‘pick me’, catering to men for their validation, only to realize that I didn’t even want their attention to begin with. (F/20/Demi)