Story #2406

When I came out I was at a party talking to a random friend of a friend. We were all very drunk and I kinda just blurted it out. Funny how it was the one thing the other people around me remember! (F/22/Lesbian)

Story #2405

When I came out I was 11. I was super nervous and, just out of the blue, texted my friend that I had something to tell them. She was surprised and so I pretended it was a joke. The next day I decided I couldn’t live like this anymore and said that I had not been joking. If you are under 14 and think people will say you’re too young, just say, “How are you too young to be straight?” (F/Lesbian)

Story #2402

When I was very young I had a queer supporting friend group, so I got to experiment with my sexual identity when I was young. I have always thought I felt different from most people when it comes to sexual attraction. What amazed me was that I have been able to notice how I felt when since I was so young. I didn’t do a big coming out; I told my friends, and if people ask I let them. I even got around to mention it to my parents that I’m ace. I haven’t run into any trouble yet, but every day my sexuality gets even more confirmed. And for anyone reading, you’re never too young to know what you want. Never let anyone take away your power to be you. (F/15/Asexual)

Story #2396

When I came out, I was already 41. My family has always known me to be boy crazy, so telling them I also liked women was incredibly shocking. I told them I wanted to live my life authentically, which meant dating someone that I matched with regardless of how they identify. They have been supportive, but it would have been so much harder if I didn’t have the support of my closest friends. (F/41/Bisexual)

Story #2393

When I came out I sent a text message to my best friend. She was really accepting, and I’m so grateful. I haven’t come out to anyone else yet, but I want to tell my parents so I can transition, hopefully soon. You are worthy and valid and you can come out and be the person you want to be, no matter what they say. Trust me, it’s liberating! 🏳️‍⚧️❤️ (F/14/Trans woman)

Story #2392

When I came out, I came out to my old friend who had moved away over text, when I was eleven. I came out to her only as ace not les but I want to. I still have not come out to my parents even though that was many years ago. I also might come out to some of my other friends on national coming out day, which is not too far away. (F/Ace/lesbian)

Story #2389

When I came out I was 13. I came out to my best friend of almost 10 years over discord. I said – Just so u know, i’m bi, ur the first person I told. He texted me back about half an hour later saying – proud of you for having courage to tell someone, even if it’s only me. One of the best things ever. You don’t have to come out to your parents first. It doesn’t even have to be someone you know. Maybe text your number neighbor? Their reaction can fill you with the bravery to tell your parents or a friend. (F/13/Bisexual)

Story #2388

When I came out at 13 my brother and my cousin were the first people I told. My mom didn’t believe me at first. We were arguing in my room about something really stupid and she said, “Once you get a husband…” and I was so full of that husband and boyfriend thing so I shouted back, “What if I will have a girlfriend?” And she looked at me shockingly and then said, “What do you mean?” So I explained to her that I am bi but she didn’t believe me because she thought it’s just a phase and because it’s “trendy”. In the next 2 years I came out twice more but whenever we start that talk she pretends like she doesn’t care and is kind of supporting but I know that she secretly hopes it’s just a phase. I am pan now but I tell her I am bi cuz it’s easier to explain lol. (F/16/Pansexual)

Story #2385

When I came out I was 13. I texted my friend, telling him that I was gay, and I remember just hoping and praying for a good reaction because I was drowning in internalized homophobia and just wanted someone to tell me it was okay. Now I’m out to a total of 5 people and will be out to my parents soon. (Gender non-conforming woman/15/Gay/lesbian)

Story #2381

When I came out everything crashed. This summer my mom sent me to my grandmother’s house and renovated my room. She found my diary and looked through it, (surprise, surprise) finding out I had a girlfriend. She confronted me about it, and told me she loved me (didn’t say “for who I was”) and says I need to give her my phone password because she won’t snoop again. (F/16/Lesbian)