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)
Story #1653
When I came out to my mom, it was the first day of pride month. I was terrified, and couldn’t get the words out, so she guessed and I nodded at gay. She was totally fine with it and even admitted she thinks she’s bi but never told anyone before. I thought I was the only one in my family but after that I felt so much better. Now I just have to tell my dad. (F/15)
Story #1646
When I came out as gay, I made 10 years of friendship with my best friend and I really wanted to tell her this “secret” for years face to face. We were like spending the all afternoon together but the time to tell her never came, and then the afternoon ended and she and I went home. Then after crying a lot alone at home I sent her a message coming out in a Direct Message. She supported me and then I told all of my closest women friends. A movie that motivated me a lot was Call Me by Your Name. (M/19/Gay)
Story #1642
When I came out I was at summer camp. I had met this girl that I really liked and we had been flirting for a while and then, one night, she told me she liked me. The next morning I was in one of my friend’s rooms and I said that over breakfast I told my close friends that there was someone I liked who liked me back, and I said her name and told them I was gay. They were so supportive and happy for me, and I felt exhilarated and started crying.
Story #1639
When I came out, it was completely by accident. The first person I came out to was online, and I had met her only 34 minutes previously. My family accidentally found out as they found one of my pride T-shirts. They were surprised and told me that they don’t agree with it, but still love me the same. (F/17/Gay)
Story #1636
When I came out, it was online. They (and watching Love, Simon by myself, twice) then gave me courage to come out to a sorta-close friend who was also gay. A few months after that, I came out to my best friend and just recently he came out to me as bi. (M/17/Gay)
Story #1635
When I came out today, I came out to my brother as gay! I did it after we were done at the cinema. I was so scared. But I just said, “I am gay” in the car on our way home. He is moving away on Sunday, so I felt like I had to. He is so supportive, and I can finally breathe out a little. My mom and dad next! (M/17)
Story #1634
When I came out it was to two LGBTQ+ friends. The conversation led to them spamming pride flags, and then I messaged a few. My friend called me gay, and I gave a thumbs up. The response I got, “Yeeees” was so casual and happy it made me collapse. Made me so nervous but it was worth it.