When I came out I couldn’t pluck up the courage to say that I’m gay. The thought of uttering those words made me chuckle — who would expect it from me? The nice young man, which all of the parents loved. I’d always jumped though the hoops society had set for me: polite, sporty, Oxford medic. In the end my Dad stated his assumptions and I reluctantly affirmed them. The support and acceptance from my friends and family has meant the world to me.
Story #1906
When I came out I was not too prepared, as I was originally going to tell only one friend. The other three I was with came over and so l thought, now or never. I decided to have a bit of fun and build my confidence so I played a guessing game. Eventually one said, “Oh, so you’re gay?” So I nodded. One of my other friends is homophobic so I can’t tell her. (F/Lesbian)
Story #1898
Cuando sali con mis familiares y amigos fue muy buena ya que antes no podía, por el miedo que se sentía por enfrentarme a ellos para poder decirles la verdad y las reacciones fueron muy buenas. (M/23/Gay)
[“When I came out to my family and friends, it was very good, because before I couldn’t for the fear that I felt about facing them, to be able to tell them the truth, and their reactions were very good.”]
Story #1896
When I came out it was because my mom asked about what made me decide to get my hair cut the way it is. I told her the truth because I didn’t wanna keep it in anymore. I had talked to my favorite teacher (rossy ik ur reading this lmao) earlier that week & he helped me realize who I was. But anyways, my mom didn’t say anything against it but idk if she would be considered accepting. She basically just said things that made it seem like I was confused & wanted attention & that she has had times where she thought a girl was attractive & that just because I had bad experiences with guys didn’t mean I was a lesbian. She told me that she didn’t care who I love & if I truly was a lesbian then she’d accept it. I ended up crying myself to sleep that night. (F/17/Lesbian/Gay)
Story #1895
When I came out it was with two friends. One of them even came out as pan! I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. I also have to get something off my chest. I think I’m trans. I could never tell my parents this. It feels so good to come out a third time with people like me! So does this count as coming out with all of you? (FTM?/13/Bi/gay?)
Story #1894
When I came out, I was swimming in a pool with my sister and she was talking about how I suck at naming things. She said, “You should just let your wife… OR husband [with delay] name kids.” I then corrected her. The next day I hung a sign on my door saying “im gay” in rainbow colors. Then pretended to sleep. (M/13/Gay)
Story #1893
When I came out as bisexual — probably gay — to my best friend, he was very supportive and asked who I liked and stuff like that and told me we will always be best friends. But I still have to come out to my family who I have no idea if they are homophobic or not and if they will accept me. (M/12/Bisexual/Gay)
Story #1886
When I came out I didn’t really want to nor was I ever planning to. I was 14 and my parents got on my device; I had forgotten to delete the history so they saw that there was men on there. They asked if I liked men and I said yes. I knew what was going to happen since my family is very very religious; my dad called me a faggot and said that I would never have a relationship with God, and I do believe that. They set up meetings with people from the church to see how repentant I was for my “sin.” My mom would cry herself to sleep as if they were the ones suffering. After years of my dad counseling me about my “phase” I just lied and said I don’t like guys anymore. Now I’m older and about to go to college and I have a HUGE crush on this one guy. He asked if I was gay once because I often joke about it with him, but I feel there is no point in telling him or anyone. Thanks, mom and dad. (M/17/Gay)
Story #1885
When I came out I was 15 and in a car ride heading to soccer practice. She was very supportive. Then I told my best friend; she was totally cool with it. After that I told my other best friend that I liked guys and she thought that I meant athletic girls and it was kinda rough. I still didn’t come out to my dad yet and Imma probably wait till I am 25 ’cause he would not be supportive of me. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1876
When I came out it was to one of my friends during recess. I already told someone else, and she acted like nothing changed, when I told the other girl at recess she was so excited that she thought it was a good idea to tell everyone in the whole school by yelling it through the hallways. Now everybody knows that I like boys and I get made fun of all the time. Luckily I have a group of supportive friends who still love me for who I am! (M/12/Gay)