When I came out… I was super scared of how my parents would react. At first they reassured me that I was still their son and they loved me no matter what. Thing is, my family is religious, so once they actually realized I was serious… that’s when the negative speech started. I was disowned, kicked out at age 18, and I am now just trying to reconnect with my family. I hope no one else has to live through something like I did. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1792
When I came out to my girlfriend, she was completely understanding and knew that this was for me and all she had was love in her heart for me. I’m planning on going home tonight to see my mom so I can tell her. I’m scared but knowing that she’s my best friend, I think she’s going to support me and love me even more for not lying about who I am anymore. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1790
When I came out I told my best friend. He acted like nothing happened for a while until it came up again and I realised he acted like nothing happened because he didn’t care that I was gay, at all. Other friends and most of family were accepting also. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1784
When I came out, I was in tears with my best friend and admitted I was gay after trying to date a girl for 8 years. She accepted me and helped me to come out to my family. My mum always jokes with me. But my dad recently told me that he didn’t like to have a gay in the family and won’t leave me alone. (M/20/Gay)
Story #1782
When I came out, I first told my sister, brother, and a few friends that I was gay, and even though it was very obvious they would be accepting, coming out to my parents was the hardest part. It was 11 o’clock at night and I had a track meet the next day, but I was watching my dad working and knew that I should tell him then, no matter how long the conversation would be. When I walked over and told him, he looked very surprised for a few seconds and then he immediately got up and hugged me, telling me he loved me while I was crying from how relieved I was. Then he woke up my mom and all three of us were in my room talking about how I could be anything I wanted to be in life and that sexuality is an important, but small part of you, that does not define what kind of person you are. Ever since that night, three days ago, I have been way happier about myself, even if I haven’t completely come out yet, but I plan to soon! (F/16/Gay)
Story #1777
When I came out, it was to my best friend of 15 years. Yet he still acts like nothing ever happened. That was two years ago. He is the only one I’ve ever trusted. Not even my own family. It hurts, and every day, it is a struggle. But when I read your stories in here, it gives me hope that maybe one day, things might change. Thank you for this. Stay strong. Love you guys. (M/26/Gay)
Story #1776
When I came out, I felt terribly sad. I had broken up with my boyfriend. I was so desperate that I needed to tell someone. So I told my closest friends, one by one, that I had fallen in love with a boy who, now, had decided to abandon me. That was the first step in a never-ending process of coming out (at work, with your family, with new friends, neighbours…). (M/45/Gay)
Story #1773
When I came out I was 19, and even 3 years later it’s not something I openly talk about. I was drunk and out partying with some mates. One of them said, “That’s so gay” about something, and without missing a beat I just shouted, “Same!” They just laughed and said OK cool. I kept it to myself for about three weeks and then told my family over the phone. I told my mother and her response was “Oh! OK, don’t tell your father just yet, he’s had a car accident, that’s why I phoned.” (It wasn’t serious but no one knew that at the time.) Fast forward 3 years and my family accept me and joke about it, but I lived in a country where being LGBT was a prisonable offence so I never really talk about it. (M/22/Gay)
Story #1769
When I came out it was to my friends at school. I had been dropping hints for weeks and they were still clueless. Then during class today, my friend asked me what gender I liked and I told him that I liked boys. He was very supportive and accepting and I couldn’t have asked for better friends! (M/11/Gay)
Story #1765
When I came out to my parents, my dad told me: “In the past, I have thought about how I would feel or what I would think if you turned out to be gay, but now I know for sure it doesn’t matter at all.” This was the second time I have ever seen my dad tear up. (M/25/Gay)