When I came out, it started slowly. I told my wife first, then my sister-in-law who lives with us, then my kids. When I was in the process of changing everything legally, the government sent a card, I think it was about voter registration, to my former address, where my parents still lived. The card was addressed to my new name. Immediately, they began attempting to convince me to come over so they could correct me (my sperm donor is a pastor of a very conservative church), essentially offering me conversion therapy. At this point, I just made my identity completely public, resulting in a few supportive members of my extended family, but also several cut ties. (MtF/33/Lesbian/poly)
Story #2650
When I came out to my parents as pansexual I was 9, and my parents were very supportive, even if they did act like it was a phase. When I was 11 I came out as a lesbian, because I had never really had crushes on men, I just saw them as friends. My friends were all very supportive and I couldn’t be more lucky with the way that things turned out. I am coming out to my mom’s side of the family this weekend, and I hope it goes well. Good luck to anyone who is/is thinking about coming out. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2630
When I came out, I was in 6th grade and at the time thought I was aroace. My friends were playing a game of “Skeleton in Your Closet” (which is where everyone says a deep secret) and I randomly decided, on a whim, to come out to them. But just as I went to whisper “I’m aroace”, something inside me made me say “I’m a lesbian” instead. Well, a year later, it turns out that I actually am a lesbian after all! My friends were so accepting and it turned out most of them are queer as well. I’m holding off on coming out to my family because they say they are accepting but I don’t feel ready. Sending good wishes to all the queer people who are about to come out!!! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2621
When I came out to my trans friends it was beautiful. They remember my name and use my right pronouns and fight for me. The name that fits me and feels right, even came from a nickname they came up with. I can only hope my traditional Christian parents are even at least an eighth as supportive. (Genderqueer/14/Lesbian)
Story #2610
When I came out, I was turning 14. I asked my parents if we could attend a Pride event, but my parents looked at me as if I was crazy. They were like: “Oh, that’s a horrible thing to attend.” And my uncle, who was listening, said: “What in the world are you thinking? That is a parade of sins!” I was heartbroken and I sort of disconnected myself from my family until my parents moved me to my aunt’s house for ‘personal reasons’. There, I was showered with love and acceptance and my aunt bought me my flag, which was the lesbian flag, and she even took me to local Pride events. This June, we’re going to attend a Pride Dance at the country club in my neighborhood. Sadly, next year will be my last year with my aunt because I’m moving back. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2608
When I came out I was still struggling with internalized homophobia. I wrote my mom a letter, explaining that I like girls, and when she finished reading it, she hugged me. Then she said “Honey, this is how you were born, and I love you for it.” I know not everybody has an easy time, but her reaction helped me to come out to the rest of my family. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2607
When I came out, life was terribly hard. I told my parents I was lesbian and they completely did not like it. They’ll purposely talk bad about me and I felt heartbroken. My best friend outed me after she discovered my journal and exposed me. Now, everyday and everywhere, I feel like I don’t belong and it just makes me feel sad. The only one who accepted me was my older brother who lives four hours away. But, two more years and I’ll be able to move away and enjoy being me. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2605
When I came out to my best friend I was so afraid because she is a very strong homophobic. I came out over text not wanting to see her disgusted face if I told her in person. She texted back and told me she loves and supports me and I cried lol I love her so much ❤️❤️ She’s also now figuring out her own identity as an asexual 💜💜 (F/Lesbian)
Story #2603
When I came out I was 15 and terrified. I realized I liked girls somewhere around sixth grade, and I just couldn’t tell my mom. We were really close because I’m an only child and my dad left when I was two. In my freshman year of high school, I knew I had to tell her because it was impacting our relationship, and killing me to be keeping something from her. I just told her my crush’s name the next time she asked and she said, “I know, hon, it’s fine. What do you think of my boyfriend?” Her boyfriend is the best, and trust me, it does get better! (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2599
When I came out, it was around the mid 2000s, possibly 2004 or 2005, but I didn’t have a clue about what the LGBTQ was and I was diagnosed with anxiety issues and whatnot. I told my therapist first and she was fairly supportive and even encouraged me to tell my parents. I mustered up the courage to tell my parents at dinner that night, and my parents smiled and told me I will be loved no matter what I am. I was proud and nowadays I even thank my therapist, who sadly died in 2021 due to cancer. I got married in 2017 with a beautiful wife – who is trans and bi – and we live happily with our two-month-old twins and rowdy golden retriever. (F/34/Lesbian)