When I came out was when I got together with my boyfriend. We had been flirting earlier in the day and became a thing over text. That night, my dad saw our texts and figured out everything and forced me to out myself to my mom. I came out to my friends at lunch the next day when he visited me while skipping out on his class. My friends have been nothing but fun and supportive and I am so happy that I have them. (M/14/Gay)
Story #1698
When I came out it was to a girl I had just met. We were in eighth grade, and I basically broke down crying against her shoulder in one of the back storage rooms of my school’s music room. My family is extremely homophobic, and having the support of this girl made me realize that I could make my own family. She came out to me around a year later as a fellow lesbian and we are still very close. Though I still haven’t come out to my family or anybody who I am very close to, I still found my own safe place with people who love and support me, and I am happy. (F/Gay)
Story #1696
When I came out it was to my cousin. He and I were very close; we consider ourselves brothers. I knew without a doubt that he’d accept me. We even talked once that we would if one of us turned out to be gay. When I did he was ecstatic and so proud that I embraced who I truly was. Now on to my parents! (M/18/Gay)
Story #1695
When I came out it wasn’t my decision to come out. It was either come out myself or be outed by someone who read some lyrics I wrote. I wasn’t ready even though I had known for 9 years. I still was in doubt of who I was or what my sexuality was… so I came out as bisexual to my mum and on social media even though I’m gay. I didn’t expect to receive so much love from people. So I guess there is a happy ending to my story. (M/17/Gay)
Story #1691
When I came out, it was to my mother when I was 16. I told her when we were in the kitchen. I said, “Mom, you say I can always talk to you, no matter what, right?” and then tried to tell her. I was hesitating, but she convinced me to tell her and so I did. I was so afraid to ruin our relationship, but she was super supportive and I feel like our bond is stronger than ever before. (M/18/Gay)
Story #1689
When I came out it was to my dad on the ride with him to work. I wanted to wait until after so it wouldn’t be awkward while we worked but I knew that I would wuss out if I didn’t say it then. He was accepting and said he would always love me, but his personal views on homosexuality are upsetting. In the end I’m glad he still loves me, and our relationship is fine now. I can breathe easier around him. Only mom is left to tell, then I’m fully out. (M/17/Gay)
Story #1682
When I came out it was to my dog. I know that sounds dumb, but it’s true. It took me courage to even tell my dog. I plan on telling my crush, who is also lesbian, sometime soon. Send good vibes! (F/12/Gay)
Story #1677
When I came out last year in eighth grade, my parents were out of town for the week and I invited my crush over for a sleepover. When he got to my house I told him, “We need to talk now.” I told him I was gay and I had a crush on him and he just cried. I asked him what was wrong and he told me he had liked me for a long time. He kissed me and ever since, we’ve been dating and we even came out to all our friends at school! I’m still afraid to come out to my homophobic parents. (M/15/Gay)
Story #1676
When I came out, I found an LGBT Instagram account that one of my best friends helped run. I asked him about it, he told me he was pan, so I told him I was gay. Over the past six months I have come out to many friends, and it has since become common knowledge in my school — people are surprisingly accepting. I’m building up courage to come out to my family. (M/13/Gay)
Story #1665
When I came out, it was at first to my very religious friend. She was actually very supportive, and she gave me the courage to tell some of my other friends. However, I also told my parents, and they were not happy. They made me break up with my boyfriend and told me not to tell anyone else, and I have since received restricted freedom. I have less than a year till I move to a university, though, so I will get to be myself soon. (M/17/Gay)