When I came out to my family as gay they considered it a joke, phase, or something for attention. They didn’t think of asking me if I liked someone or anything. What shocked me more was that all my friends were the ones who supported me and cared, but it hurt that my family didn’t care or didn’t want to believe that their daughter was gay. They started trying to get me a boyfriend, which was not wanted of course, and I told them to stop but they continued to ship me with guys who were my closest friends. IDK if they are homophobic or just confused, but I can’t bring myself to hate them for not being happy for me. (F/13/Gay/Lesbian)
Story #1860
When I came out it was to my stepsister. We were generally really open to each other, telling each other about our crushes and drama. But as I started to discover myself I became more secretive, until eventually she sat me down and asked why I never talk to her anymore. After a lot of pestering I told her I was gay. Telling her was a big step in me coming to terms with it myself. I’m now officially out and couldn’t be happier. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1859
When I came out I was surprised by myself. I always knew what my sexuality was but I vowed I would never tell anyone. I told my best friend the day after we saw a gay coming of age movie together. She was extremely supportive and I’m so glad I have her. This year I went to my first pride and I couldn’t stop crying seeing all the love around NYC. Now it’s just time to come out to my extremely religious Chinese parents who asked me if I was going to pride to pick up girls… (M/15/GAYYY)
Story #1858
When I came out this year my mom started crying, saying that being gay isn’t a real thing and people just say that and started blaming things like the places we lived, my dad not being home enough, etc. My dad went and hit me, and I had a bruise on my back and I had to change for gym and someone, who I thought was super homophobic, asked what it was and I told them and they’ve been so supportive. Now I have a whole support group, haha! My parents have had multiple people talk to me to fix me. I’m not allowed to tell anyone… especially my brothers (I’m the oldest) because they don’t want me to do to them what “someone did to me”, make me “think” I’m gay. I’m not allowed to hang out with boys nor anyone who seems gay or seems like they would be supportive of it. They said I’m going to hell, my mom compared it to murder, and my dad said it’s the same thing as him having a relationship with a desk. But my friends are helping me get through it and it’s getting better. 🙂 I think (M/17/Gay/bi?)
Story #1854
When I came out I was in a relationship with a woman for 8 years. She didn’t take it well and unfortunately we had to stop talking completely.
Luckily I met a very wonderful man and he has been a huge help through this. I love him more than I could have imagined loving another person was possible. More importantly I love finally being me. (M/25/Gay)
Story #1844
When I came out as bi, it was to my best friend. He reassured me that I’m still me no matter what. Made me happy but a good portion of my friends always joke about “being gay”. I no longer think I’m bi but gay now… I’m scared to come out to my parents. (M/18/Gay)
Story #1842
When I came out it was by accident, I forgot to delete a message of my friend talking about me being gay. My parents went through my phone and saw. So I was forced out and thankfully they accepted me. (M/15/Gay Asexual)
Story #1850
When I came out it was before a party, and there was much anticipation of a slow dance. My mom asked me whom my crush was, and I very nervously told her it was a girl on my swim team. She paused for a moment and then told me that she too had once dated girls. My mom has since been super supportive. Although I have yet to come out to the rest of my family, a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I don’t really feel the need to. (F/12/Gay)
Story #1840
When I came out I wrote a 17-page letter to my best friend, who I’ve been in love with for the past 3 years of high school. Our school goes on a senior retreat and there are 4 different ones throughout the year and previous retreatants write surprise letters to the current ones. On letter night he read mine and people told me he was in tears. Although he’s sadly straight, he told me he loves me no matter what and I’m still his best friend and nothing will ever change that. (M/17/Gay)
Story #1848
When I came out to my best friend, who is a very funny person just like me, I decided to use a joke. I told her I like women like she likes her coffee. She said she doesn’t like coffee. When I said, “Exactly,” she got the pieces together and started laughing. She was very supportive after that. (M/17/Gay)