When I came out, It was during a field trip. My mom, who was involved with fundraisers for our school, decided to volunteer. One of the kids that I didn’t like saw me and my mom board the bus and outed me, saying: “HEY, DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU’RE GAY?” I was hurt and my mom looked at me, at the kid, back at me, and escorted me to my seat. For about thirty minutes, me and my mom sat in awkward silence before she held my hand and told me she loved me no matter what. (F/15/Lesbian)
Story #2663
When I came out, it was the day after I turned 14. My sister (who is also lesbian) kind of guessed, so I never had to come out to her. But the day after my birthday, there was this girl from school I was on a walk with. She had come out as bi to me and her friends the week before. It was getting dark outside, so I told her, “Can I tell you a secret you can’t tell anybody else?” She pinkie promised she wouldn’t tell anyone, and then I told her, “I think… I think I’m gay.” Then I told her when I started to realise it and stuff. She was super accepting, and then she told me her coming out story. It was scary, because even though I knew she wouldn’t hate me, I had never said the words “I’m gay” out loud before. But I am so glad I did it. I feel so seen, and so understood. It feels so refreshing to not have to pretend to be straight! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2658
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)