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)
Story #1847
When I came out, I was 13 and had my first crush on a guy (who was bi). All my friends were supportive and turned out to be LGBTQ+ too. The crush and I never had a relationship, but he helped me through things and I soon realized that I was gay, not bisexual. Now I just need to find a way to come out to my extremely religious homophobic parents who sit me down each day and tell me that being gay is a huge sin. Hope things go well! (M/15/Gay)
Story #1838
When I came out I was talking to my friend. Somehow it turned into who would you marry. Then I was like, “A guy.” I then realized what I just said. He didn’t really care. He two weeks later came out to me as transgender. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1832
When I came out, I was 13 and scared to death to discover I’m gay. I had a crush on my best friend and texted him about it late at night. Let’s just say, it’s been 2 years and we don’t talk anymore. I have yet to come out to my VERY religious parents, and brother. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1829
When I came out to my brother he was surprisingly supportive. He said no matter what, he’ll always have my back. Next step is to come to my religious Muslim parents. Don’t know when or if ever I’ll be able to come out to them. (M/27/Gay)
Story #1827
When I came out it was to my freshman year college roommate. It was such a weight off my shoulders because he came out to me as bi first! He helped me build the courage to tell my family and all besides my dad accepted me and my mom is very supportive of me. I’m finally able to live freely and for those of you who are still closeted, stay strong and know that there are resources all around you! (M/20/Gay)
Story #1825
When I came out, it took me nearly 20 minutes to get the words out after I told my mom that I needed to talk to her. Even though I knew she would be accepting, the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth and I turned bright red. I finally said, “I’m gay,” and she hugged me and said she loved me. She told my dad, who brought it up in the car one day and just said that he accepts me. I’m planning to tell my friends but I’m scared they’ll treat me differently and be weirded out if they know that I’m a lesbian. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #1824
When I came out, it was completely unexpected. The week before, I had told myself that I wouldn’t necessarily come out—I really don’t enjoy nerve-wracking situations—but if I were asked about my sexuality, I would be honest with people. I was talking about throwing rainbow cookies in the air for fun, and someone asked if I was gay. I said yes, and it was a huge relief from the pressure and loneliness I had been feeling beforehand. Now I am out at school, and my parents could really care less what I do, other than that I am happy. To everyone out there nervous to come out, you are valid, and if the friend/parent/other person you are coming out to doesn’t accept you, we are all with you today and forever. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1817
When I came out to my best girl friend, I stuttered and it took me five minutes to tell. But boy, I was so happy. I come from a very religious region of the Netherlands, and everybody who I told was happy to hear it and they all said, ”Alright, we still love you, but we knew it for a long time.” The fifth person I came out to was my preacher, and his words were beautiful: ”It isn’t God who hates gay people, He loves them, it’s the people who don’t understand Him.” That’s why I am still a Christian gay and even my very religious parents accepted me. A month ago I came out to my best friends in three seconds. It was very simple now. (M/17/Gay)