Gay Coming Out Stories

When I came out to my brother it was the most awkward thing. We’ve never been close and so this was a conversation I had put off for years. In the end he took it really well, but we both had very little to say. My mom later told me that he called her soon after to confess to her how bad he now felt for all the gay jokes he’d made over the years. He would never tell me that, but it’s good to know he cares. (M/26/Gay)

When I came out to my father a few months ago, I was already out to my mom and at school. I knew I was gay since I was 15, so it was time to tell him. I wrote him a letter with everything I wanted him to know and left it on the kitchen table. Then I left for a friend’s birthday party. A few days later, we took some time to talk about it and he said he didn’t really guess but he was fine with it. I was incredibly relieved and I am glad how good it turned out 🏳️‍🌈 (M/19/Gay)

When I came out to my mom it was just yesterday. I had already been out at school and to my friends but hadn’t come out to her yet. I got a pride flag from Amazon and it came and she picked it up and was like, “Is this a gay flag and are you telling me you’re gay?” and I’m like, “I don’t know.” Then I went to work and came home last night and she said, “I guess you’re glad that’s out cause you didn’t like hiding it” and I’m like, “Yeah” and she said it’s a sin and she’s disappointed but she doesn’t love me any less. So I guess it went ok 🏳️‍🌈 (M/19/Gay)

When I came out I was on my way home with one of my best friends since we live near each other. As we were walking home he noticed that I kept texting someone and he asked me who it was. All of a sudden I started panicking and like hyperventilating because I was under the influence and I couldn’t come up with a good lie. I started to cry and he was so confused and then I texted him that it was a boy and that I liked guys just because I couldn’t say it. He hugged me and made me feel very comfortable. That day I didn’t expect to tell someone and I wasn’t planning on telling anyone any time soon but I’m glad that I don’t have to lie to him anymore. I still have to tell others but I’m glad I have him for support. (M/17/Gay)

When I came out it was 2007 and I was 27 years old, though I’d known I was gay since I was about 12. I came out to my best (girl) friend first… she was amazing… Next was my childhood buddy (more like a brother). He was great to me, but slightly freaked out. Then I told my mom, who I always thought would be my “champion”, and she freaked out and called my dad… and my father, the supreme jock, the masculine supreme, accepted me straight up for who I was and told me to stop worrying about being myself!!! So… don’t hold back for people you think may be “disappointed”, do you… the lovers will always love! (M/39/Gay)

When I came out as bi to my friends they were all so happy for me and showered me with support and love. Later on I realized I was actually gay. I really wanted to tell my parents but I was so scared how they would react; one day it became too much to hold in so a wrote them a note explaining to them that I was gay. The next day my parents told me they loved me and supported me no matter what. I felt so relieved after. (M/16/Gay)

When I came out it was just before Thanksgiving, and this was the last I would be at home before leaving for basic training. I knew that I needed to tell them beforehand and didn’t wanna make the holidays awkward. I told my dad first when we sat in the car while my mom shopped. He was always very open about how he felt about gay people so I was concerned, but he actually responded very calmly and positively. Later that night I told my mom and she couldn’t talk… just held her head in her hands and didn’t say anything. To be fair she has anxiety (just like me) so I probably overwhelmed her, and afterwards she came into my room and we had a long talk about how it didn’t matter and I just needed to go into the world and be happy. Overall pretty positive. (M/17/Gay)

When I came out the day before my birthday because I felt I needed to get things off my chest to grow up even more, my mom and I were sitting on my bed talking about like or whatever and all of a sudden I said, “Mom, I have something really important to tell you but don’t freak out.” She was like, “Go on,” and I started telling her, “I prefer boys over girls, I am into boys.” She immediately replied, “How do you know that? You’ve never gotten into a relationship with a girl, am I right ? So I think you should give them a try before doing anything else.” I tried to make her understand that I will never change, I was born this way and kept telling her I had never opted for this… At the end, she said, “I made you, not your heart, you’re able to love whoever you want, I will always love you.” (M/18/Gay)