When I came out to my friend group, it was kinda weird. They all supported me except for two people (There are 6 people in the friend group not including me). They all said they supported me but no one actually uses my preferred name or pronouns. I’m not sure if this even counts as being out, but I guess I tried. (M/12/Transgender/gay man)
Story #2460
When I came out it was to my friend. She was openly bisexual so I felt comfortable telling her. I told her and she completely supported me. I tried to tell my other friend but I didn’t know she was homophobic. I told her and she flipped out. She didn’t want to talk to me so I realized she wasn’t a real friend. (12/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2455
When I came out I was 29 (it was 1985). My father had just died in an accident and that forced me to confront being gay and moving forward to live my true life. I knew I was gay when I was 13, but repressed it through HS, college, and my 20’s. I didn’t date women. I was just a solo person, with many friends, who stayed busy with other activities. I’m 66 now, married to a long-time partner. I envy the youth of today. I still sometimes struggle when I recall the pain of hiding from everyone including myself for so many years. (M/66/Gay)
Story #2452
When I came out I was 15 and at school. It was obvious that I was gay and I never really tried to hide it but would always deny it when asked. My best friend kept asking me who I liked and I kept deflecting the question. One day, after weeks of planning how I would say it, I said that I would tell her who I liked. She figured out that I was trying to come out but was scared to say the words. She asked me, “You’re gay? I’ve known since 3rd grade” and then we hugged and talked about it for a while. (M/15/Gay)
Story #2450
When I came out, I was 15 years old and on a pit stop at Starbucks during a high school field trip. While we waited for our drinks, my friend asked me outright if I was gay. And through tears, I said yes, and that I had never told anyone before—she hadn’t known it would be my first time coming out. Thank you to everyone who posted their stories on here; they gave so much strength to a closeted gay teen. (M/24/Gay)
Story #2445
When I came out it was to my mom. I told her that I wish I was born as a boy and how I hated myself for being and seen as a girl. My mom was very disappointed at me and told me I will never be one and always be a girl and how I have to wear dresses and skirts in school. She told me that she doesn’t support and included God, that God won’t support people like these and how they will get blind, get cancer, and also deaf. COVID-19 too. (Male FtM/13/Gay)
Story #2436
When I came out, I was scared and excited. I felt as if I had found my true self, and realized how the world would react. I buried my sorrows in fake crushes on girls, and ate a lot. I was self conscious because this was after the pandemic (come on, we all gained at least 10 pounds). I found that a mask helped me hide myself, so I wore one everywhere, even after Omicron. Finally, I lost all the weight, got fit, actually too thin, I’m underweight now, and gained strength. I met my boyfriend at a comic shop. He asked for my number, but my parents were restrictive of me, so I only had a computer, so I got his e-mail. He eventually asked me out, and still loves me deeply, and I him. I slowly came out to many close friends and they all support me and frequently ask about my guy. (M/13/Gay and beautiful)
Story #2421
When I came out I told my college best friend while we were first years. We were both getting ready for a party and after years of being afraid to even admit to myself I was gay, I was able to finally say the words to him. He told me that he didn’t care and we could still be roommates next year. He then proceeded to say all the things you’re not supposed to say when someone comes out, like “are you attracted to me?” But in that moment him being light-hearted and accepting helped me really accept who I am. (M/19/Gay)
Story #2409
When I came out for the second time to my religious mother (separated parents), I was 27 and my boyfriend was waiting for me outside to take a bus. She started crying and blame all to herself for several minutes before I left the apartment. Months later she has become very accepting and asks about my guy at times. (M/28/Gay)
Story #2399
When I came out, I was at the school art club and I made a badge with ‘he/him’ written on it. My friend saw and asked if they were my new pronouns. When I said yes she was very supportive and was there for me when I came out to some of my other friends. (M/13/Gay)