When I came out to myself, I was 20. I’m 28 now, and it’s been hard every single day of my life. It’s been hard to accept this part of myself, and to hear almost everyone around me make fun of LGBT people doesn’t help. I just wish I had someone to talk to, a friend who would understand me and not judge me. Maybe one day… (M/28/Gay)
Story #2131
When I came out to my father, I did a book, a notebook, and wrote a letter to him in the first page. I left it at his house and traveled back to my city. He never gave me an answer. After a couple months I asked him and he said he didn’t say anything because it was normal, he didn’t have anything to accept because he wasn’t better than me. (M/31/Gay)
Story #2123
When I came out I tried to do so subtly. I did TikToks (cosplay mostly), watched drag races, tried on makeup even when it wasn’t Halloween. And then, one day after my grandma left, I put on as much as I could, wore my mother’s old dress, and put on some jewelry. I went to school like this. At first, everybody I passed whispered and laughed. Finally, at the end of the day, one of my teachers came up to me and hugged me. They told me they were gay too. I smiled. Ever since that day I have been living with my teacher since 9th grade. My grandma kicked me out, but many other people supported me. (M/17/Gay/drag queen)
Story #2121
When I came out I first told my best friend that I was questioning. I’ve had past relationships with girls but was never truly happy. I then told a friend who came out to me that I was almost sure I was gay. I plan to tell my mom because I know she will be very supportive of me. (M/12/Gay)
Story #2110
When I came out I was 14 and my sister was completely accepting. Not only did she support me fully, she promised to follow me on my journey. (M/14/Gay)
Story #2099
When I came out to my friend I was really scared. I had thought he was gay for a long time and I had the biggest crush ever on him. It was in math class and I had used all my persuasion to get the teacher to put me on a table with him. We were having a test and the teacher walked out to get some paper. The whole class started chattering. I looked at him and my eyes met his. It was pretty romantic for a math class lol. I knew it was the moment and I told him how I felt and that I liked him. He immediately replied with “I like you too”. And that was it. That day we walked out of math class with the biggest smiles on our faces. Only he knows that I’m gay and I’m fine with that. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2092
When I came out, I was in a meeting with one of my teachers. She looked at me and told me she was so proud of me and that I should never be ashamed for who I am. She gave me a bunch of resources that she had used in the past and got me connected to several community groups. She told me to call her any time and would stand by my side even if my parents didn’t support me in my decision. (F/17/Asexual/gay)
Story #2071
When I came out, it was in maths class last year to a girl who sat next to me. She wanted me to be her “Gay Best Friend” but I think I’m quite a lame one. On top of that, I didn’t realise I was asexual until a few weeks ago. To be honest, it’s been a really horrible year, just a giant punch to the face every day, and being gay and ace makes me feel different in a bad way, and coming out seems stupid because why should someone judge you for that, why can’t you just be yourself and not say anything? And then, I feel like if I come out as ace people will think I’m lame because I don’t know who’s attractive. I just hope this year is over soon and then we can all laugh about it. (M/17/Gay/ace)
Story #2067
When I came out, it was an accident. I had actually already come out to my sister and a couple close friends, but I wasn’t out to all my peers. Some kids were teasing me about how I acted gay, like usual, but this time it was really getting out of hand. One of the remarks was spewed at me was “How come you act so gay!?!” And I was so fed up at this point that I accidentally answered: “BECAUSE I AM!” (M/16/Gay)
Story #2066
When I came out, I came out to my best friends first and that changed my life because all my other mates that I told didn’t accept me, so I told my best friends and they accepted me for who I was. It turns out that my other best friend was gay as well and finally we got together, and we love each other so, so much, but I haven’t told my mum or dad yet. But I told my aunt and she is always making sure that I believe in myself and stay happy because of who I am. (F/11/Lesbian/gay)