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)
Story #2023
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)
Story #2014
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)
Story #2009
When I came out, it was to my friends. I was super nervous so instead of saying that I was trans I just kind of said, “By the way, I’m a guy.” Everyone was super supportive and all of them are LGBT+. I also came out to my dance teacher and my history teacher, both of whom are very supportive. I haven’t come out to my transphobic parents yet, but I plan to come out on New Year’s as my resolution. I’m pretty nervous but also excited. (M/13/FtM/gay/panromantic)
Story #2006
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)
Story #2003
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)
Story #2002
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)
Story #1996
When I came out it was first to my best friend who has lesbian parents so I knew she’d be accepting. We were walking around her neighbourhood and we sat on a bench and I finally worked up the courage to tell her: “You know how you asked me if I liked anyone but didn’t specify the gender? Well, it was a girl.” She was obviously very accepting and later came out to me. She is helping me come out to even more people and is still my best friend. (F/Gay)
Story #1987
When I came out, I was 12. This still makes me cringe, but it was 11PM and I was bored and was watching coming out videos. I was feeling brave and since my sister was asleep I just texted her that I was gay so she could see it in the morning. There was some awkward tension at first but we never really talk about it. (M/13/Gay)
Story #1986
When I came out yesterday night it was to my best friend (who I have known for 7 years). On Instagram I wrote to him telling him I was gay. I switched off the phone and went to bed, but didn’t get much sleep cause my heart was racing. When I woke up the first thing I did was see his message. I was scared thinking I would lose him, but once again I underestimated his awesomeness. He was truly supportive and I am happy to have him in my life. Thanks. (M/15/Gay)