Gay Coming Out Stories

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

When I came out it was in July 1992. I was 17 years old and I told a school friend, and he told me he was gay as well. We remained friends until life took another direction for him. I am now 47 years old. I have been single all my life and I’m still on a journey to accept myself and feel that it’s fine to be gay. My first crush was Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz in 1981 and Christopher Reeve in Superman 2 . I still have hope that one day I will meet a soul mate and he will be my Superman. (M/47/Gay)