When I came out, it was completely accidental. I was watching a movie with my aunt, who was my legal guardian, when the movie said the three words that started it all: “I ain’t gay.” My aunt chuckled before seeing me tense up before asking me if I was gay. That was when my mouth acted before my brain did and blurted out: “I am.” Ever since then, me and my aunt have grown closer and, lo and behold, my aunt is in a secret relationship with her manager, who happens to be a woman. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2662
When I came out, it was to my mom. I texted her when she was on a business trip. For once I really felt kinda free. My mom took it well. It just socks that I haven’t told anyone else mainly because most people think it’s a choice. I just wish homophobic people could see how painful and exhausting it is to fight to be you or to hide and pretend to be who you’re not. (M/15/Gay/bi)
Story #2659
When I came out life became easier. I wrote my parents a letter and they were very supportive and accepting. They just said they love me for who I am . Even though it won’t be easy to come out to my extended family, at least my parents are with me. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2656
When I came out, I was 10 the first time. My mum didn’t believe me and I still have not come out to my dad (as he makes fun of gay/trans people). Second time I was 11 and started binding at my volleyball games because of the tight uniforms (do not recommend). My mum was mad and the whole way I got it was I gave her $50 for a $20 binder. She still doesn’t believe me and my sisters are very suspicious. (FtM/Gay)
Story #2654
When I came out at 16 in 2016, I had already known for over a decade that I was only sexually attracted to other men, ever since I was 5. Growing up in a Christian family made it incredibly tough, and I worried about how they would react. But through adversity, I learned the importance of self-love and acceptance. To others going through similar challenges with religious family members, know that you are not alone, and as time passes, it will become easier. Embracing who I truly am has given me the strength to keep going, and I now know that I can make it through, no matter the challenges ahead. (M/24/Gay)
Story #2628
When I came out, it was 6th grade and I was always called gay and zesty for the way I acted and sounded and for the things I did because it was middle school after all. I wanted to fit in and be straight but I knew I had lots of attraction to guys and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t be truly straight. Me and my best friend talked about our opinions on relationships with girls, understanding gay, and even acted and joked about being gay for fun. We stopped this for a couple months because we didn’t actually want to be gay but to my surprise, one day in March, after he was acting weird for the whole day, told me he was bisexual. Hearing him come out to me gave me the courage to realize I was bi too and we are both coming out to the rest of the world now. 💖💜💙 (M/12/Gay/bisexual)
Story #2625
When I came out I was in the sixth grade. I told my mom and she was incredibly supportive. I eventually told my friends and they were also very supportive. I haven’t told my dad yet because he is one of those very homophobic macho-type men. I’ll eventually do it though. (M/14/Gay)
Story #2597
When I came out I had a really supportive family. Me and my dad were just talking about my day and then all the sudden my dad asked me if I was gay. I think he got the idea because I was reading all these queer stories and like buying pride flags. When I told him he said, “Well, I’m proud of you.” And I felt really accepted. Soon after I came out to my siblings. It took some time for them to understand; everything can be very confusing especially at a young age. (F/she/they/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2594
When I came out it was 7th grade and one of my best friends sat next to me. Then the annoying kid just wrote “gay” on a piece of paper and that made me a little sad cause he always made fun of people for anything. My friend saw it and then just whispered, “Are you gay?” Then I got shaky but then said, “Yes I am and I kind of have a crush on this cute boy”. From that day I have only ever told two of my best friends and have supported me all the way. Thank you so much for show your support and compassion that helps me. (M/Gay)
Story #2591
When I came out, I was around 31 and it was to my coworkers. It was spectacular and they even threw a party for me the next day. My parents are a bit skeptical but they support me nonetheless. (M/42/Gay)