When I came out, my mom asked me why I felt that way. I asked her why she felt ‘that way’ about my dad. She asked what she did wrong, but reminded me she still loved me. I was expecting to be kicked out of the house. About a year later now, she’s still not 100% on board, but she’s gotten better. (F/19/Lesbian)
Story #2712
When I came out to my family about my homosexual tendencies, I was 13 years old. I came out in a very unfortunate situation — my parents had read my diary, and at that time, I still couldn’t accept myself. They thought it was just a teenage phase, and honestly, so did I. I wasn’t able to truly accept my sexuality until I developed an anxiety disorder due to prolonged stress. Since then, I’ve started learning how to accept it — but even now, I still struggle to love girls with my full, honest feelings. That struggle has weighed on me for four years. Now, at 17, I’m finally walking the path to find the real answer to that question. (Lesbian/17)
Story #2707
When I came out to my family, I was scared. I gave half-truths. “Would you accept me if I dated a man? How do you feel about my transfem friend?” Only after months of subtle questions did I, at 20 years old, finally admit to them: I am a woman. (F/29/Trans Fem/Pansexual/Lesbian)
Story #2700
When I came out it was just to my friends. My parents are homophobic, so I didn’t know that girls and girls were accepted. In 7th grade I found out I like girls and told a few friends. I’m in 9th now and gave a letter to my crush at the beginning of the year and got humiliated by all of the people in theatre. Now I have a crush on my best friend. (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2696
When I came out, it was a bit rough since I was already deemed a disappointment to my parents for being a teen parent. When they figured out that I was lesbian by going through my desk, they were clearly upset. But I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. Now, I’m a therapist helping people who are going through tough times. To those who wish to come out, be brave and confident! (F/27/Lesbian)
Story #2693
When I came out I was 14, but instead of being my full true self I had to identify as bi and go back into hiding. It was badddd; my mother literally grounded me for saying I liked girls. A few years go by and I date a guy for 1 week on the dot; I think I was 17, but I told him I couldn’t do it cause it was gross to me. I came out to my cousin and she said she already knew, then slowly again told my mother after being in a relationship with a girl for 3 months. I still hadn’t told my dad at that point, but finally told him at the beginning of my second relationship I was a lesbian and he was cool with it. (F/26/Lesbian)
Story #2691
When I came out as a lesbian I was 11. My family kinda thought it was a phase. My friends were super supportive, but then I ended up moving. Right now I live in a super homophobic state, but I didn’t know that when I moved here. I get remarks weekly about how being lesbian is sinful and unnatural. I have a couple friends who I’m out as genderfluid to, and they’re pretty supportive, but I’m scared to come out publicly. To everyone who is thinking of coming out, I send you love ❤️ (Genderfluid/13/Lesbian)
Story #2690
When I came out, I told my mom I had something to tell her while we were at a restaurant. I got nervous and waited until we got home. There, I texted her three words. “I like women.” And the only she said is “that’s okay.” Afterwards, she hugged me and told me she would always love me no matter what. I still haven’t told my dad, who’s very religious and right-wing. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2686
When I came out I was 16 and in the talking stage with a girl. I couldn’t hold it in any more, so I spilled my secret to my sister, then to my mom and my brother. Honestly, it was a weight off my chest and it’s nice to know I can trust them. (F/19/Lesbian)
Story #2685
When I came out as lesbian it was about 6 months ago, but I had known I liked girls way before that. First I came out to my best friend, who was really nice about it, and we were talking about crushes and we both just blurted we had a crush on each other. It was awkward for like a day but then things went back to normal. When I came out to my mom as lesbian it wasn’t too long after I came out to my best friend, and I was so scared so decided to write it down and give the note to her. She was surprised but supportive, but I haven’t come out as nonbinary yet to anyone. (Nonbinary/12/Lesbian)