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)
Story #1815
When I came out I was about 14, and it was to a couple of friends at the school I go to. I had started taking a Creative Writing class a week or two ago and decided to write a poem for them to read. I handed it to them without saying anything and just let them read it. I didn’t know what to do with myself so I just awkwardly stood there while they read it. It wasn’t like a big group thing, I just kind of found some of my friends while they were alone and gave them the poem. They were all really shocked, I guess, except for one person who somehow had a feeling, and I clearly remember one person gasping, “Really?” And I just quietly mumbled, “Yeah.” (F/15/Gay)
Story #1810
When I came out I wanted to show my best friend (who I had fallen in love with) that it was okay and nobody would care. Everyone always knew so it was no surprise to them. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t accept who he was and now he still lives in denial. Me on the other hand, I’m happy as ever and I’m finding out who I am more everyday. Be who you want to be 🙂 (M/23/Gay)
Story #1808
When I came out I was 11. I told the whole family at once and most of them didn’t accept me. My dad acted aggressive for a few days before assuming it’s just a phase and I’ll get over it someday. I also told most of my friends, and they all accepted me. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1805
When I came out to one of my friends, he came out to me. It was a huge relief to have someone to talk to openly. The night I came out to him I could not stop shaking and thinking about coming out to my parents. I drafted an email, which I sent the next morning while I was out of the house. They were really accepting in front of me, though my dad privately sought therapy to process the new information. (F/Gay)
Story #1798
When I came out, to my friends at least, I was welcomed with nothing but love and support. Though I maintain a heterosexual relationship and claim bisexuality, I realize I cannot force myself to do this forever. Someday soon, I will HAVE to be completely transparent with boyfriend, my mother, and most importantly, myself. This will change my entire life, and that terrifies me. All I have to say is “I’m gay,” but just the thought of accomplishing that makes me want to hide. (F/23/Gay)
Story #1797
When I came out, I was 13 and I decided to bake cupcakes just to write “I’m Gay” on one of them in frosting and to give it to my parents. They were confused as to why it was written there, then asked me the question, “Are you gay?” I then said, “Yes” and they were supportive of it. Probably one of the proudest moments of my life. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1796
When I came out, it was a few days ago. My parents are now forcing me to renounce what I said and force me further into the closet. I thought that coming out would lift a weight off my shoulders but it just got worse. (M/Gay)