When I came out, I asked my close friend to meet me and she agreed. So I picked her up and sat in Indomart (Indonesian version of 7 Eleven). She knew that I wanted to talk about a serious matter. I couldn’t say it, so I gave her my audio recorder and I came out. She was very supportive and she also came out as bisexual. (M/18/Gay)
Story #2206
When I came out I was about 14. I knew that I liked girls at the age of 12 but my family has strong religious beliefs so I knew telling them wasn’t an option. I had later decided that I was just going to disregard my attraction to girls and focus on men because at the time I thought I was bi. This was very hard on my mental health so when I was 14 I decided to tell my friends. I knew they wouldn’t care but I was just so uncomfortable talking about it that I never actually came out and said it. I just made jokes that would hint at my sexuality and I would talk about my female celebrity crushes a lot. This led to my friends asking if I was bi to which I then replied yes and they were so supportive and accepting. Now at 18 realized that I am actually gay and for the first time in my life I’m proud of it. I have yet to tell my parents but I am working on that soon. (F/18)
Story #2196
When I came out to my parents, I hadn’t even planned on doing it. It was actually my father who asked me. I tried to avoid the question and it took me about 5 minutes to finally answer: yes… They were like: “Oh, ok… Why didn’t you tell us before? We’re your parents and we’re gonna love you no matter what”. So I started crying and they hugged me, saying how much they loved me. (M/Gay)
Story #2180
When I came out my sister came out to me! I’m gay and she’s asexual. It was nice to know but it also made me feel like I had to come out before she did. It’s ok to have mixed feelings upon coming out or having someone come out to you.
Story #2179
When I came out I knew my parents would accept me. So I just told them about how my friend assumed I liked her, and when my parents asked why I told them I liked girls. My mom said it didn’t matter and just told me I was too young for a relationship. It went really well. (F/11/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2173
When I came out to my brother’s mom (my half mom and favorite mom), we were on a walk by the zoo and I said, “I have to tell you something.” My 8-year-old brother, who already known at the time, immediately stood right by me and hugged me as I told her I like girls, and she said, “I’m so proud of you and I’ll always love you.” That’s my favorite coming out story (so far — this Saturday I’m coming out to my lesbian aunts). (F/13/Just gay)
Story #2169
When I came out, I was just 15, a sophomore in high school, and had been hiding since 7th grade. I became really close to an online friend and felt she would be the best person to tell first, so I said that I had to tell her something, and her response was “You’re gay?” I spent the next few minutes deciding whether or not I really wanted to do it and eventually said yes. She was really supportive, which inspired me to come out to my irl friends, and they all said “I knew” or “I’ve been waiting for this forever!” I was overwhelmed with support and felt so happy to be able to tell them without fear. A few months later, my mom asked pretty bluntly and I just nodded. I then learned that 2 of my 3 siblings were also gay, and was so happy I had support from my family. I haven’t told my dad or extended family yet, but I plan to eventually. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2163
When I came out it was a normal school lunch. My friend asked me what I think my sexuality is. I told her I’m not really sure but I think I’m gay. I come from a VERY accepting town (most people are LGBTQ+ or support them) and my friend already had two other gay friends so I already knew she was accepting. I felt so good about it and even told my other friends later that day. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2162
When I came out, I told my best friend while we were outside going into school in the morning. It freaked us out for 5 minutes, just saying it out loud and understanding the truth of it, but it was worth it. She’s the reason I got through fifth grade. (M/15/Gay)
Story #2160
When I came out, my friend came out to me over text and I responded “k” because I had no clue what to say, and then a few minutes later I responded with “me too.” (M/14/Gay)