When I came out to my mum I was 13 and told her I had a girlfriend. Her reaction was nothing and just said “okay” and left. Two years later I’m single, non-binary, and a lesbian and my mum doesn’t like that I want to change my name and don’t want a gender. My auntie on the other hand is a fellow lesbian and she supports me. My father, well, I have no idea what he thinks. (Non-binary/14)
Story #2114
When I came out my mum was shocked. She was not accepting at first, but she’s gradually changed. Her first reaction was that she ran away into another room and cried her eyes out. I was shattered, and I hid in the closet for four years. I moved out, and I don’t speak to her very much anymore, but I’m fine with that. I have my wonderful chosen family with me, and I know that if you are struggling with this, it will all work out. Proud of you 🌈❤️ (Demigirl/19/Lesbian)
Story #2112
When I came out to my mom, I was already out to my friends who were all nothing but kind and supportive. I expected for my mom to be accepting as well, but she wasn’t. After I told her, she went on a walk in a huff, and I called my best friend, telling her what happened between sobs. She dropped everything and picked me up, got me Starbucks, and hugged me while I cried. Even though my mom’s reaction wasn’t what I hoped it would be, my dad reacted positively, and I have amazing friends that are my chosen family. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2109
When I came out my family accepted it but didn’t like it. They love me and they accept me but we never speak of it and they very quickly stopped asking me about the romantic parts of my life. But I found more family that just happens to not be blood related. I found my lgbt family. Not only do they love and unconditionally accept me but they encourage me to talk about my fears, my loves and everything in my heart. And I unconditionally love them and with them I’ve been happier than ever. (F/50/Lesbian)
Story #2108
When I came out it was to my mum. I told her I had something to tell her. We sat down and I realised how scared I was. I was crying and when I finally told her she said she didn’t mind and was really supportive. It was such a weight off my shoulders and now I have to work on telling my dad and sister. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2106
When I came out as a lesbian I did it through a letter to a close friend. I was extremely nervous and it took me close to ten minutes to just hit the send button even though I know it would be fine. She’s really accepting, and she doesn’t care at all. I’m more concerned about the rest of my friends, though, because of all of them being rather homophobic. Oh well. Wish me luck! (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2104
When I came out I felt like it was impossible to say the words. I just told my mum that I had to tell her something and then couldn’t get a word out. She eventually said, “Just come out and say it” so I laughed (through my tears) saying that she just made a pun and I let her figure it out on her own. She was accepting and I’m proud of who I am. Every day it gets easier to say those words: I’m gay. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2075
When I came out I was outed by my sister. She had read my diary and found out I had a crush on a girl. It hurt that she outed me. She didn’t even apologize. I thought she would know not to out me; she is bi herself. I have yet to forgive her but she doesn’t care. When it comes to my friends they are all accepting. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2070
When I came out I was scared to death because I didn’t want to admit I was a lesbian. Soon I found out that people didn’t care that I was gay as long as I was happy. I’ve recently come out to my intimate family and some cousins and one of my grandparents. I hope that one day I don’t have to worry about coming out, but it still scares me even after all this time. Until then I’ll just be me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2068
When I came out it went well, I guess. I wrote my mom a card and it said, “Congratulations, 11 years ago you gave birth to a big fat lesbian!” I also wrote some rules such as “You can tell your non-homophobic coworkers,” and “You must play the supportive parent card” but the most important one to me was “No, we will not have a talk about this” but that’s exactly what she did. I think she’s still in a bit of denial, like she did say I was probably bisexual and when we played Life she made me marry a man, but other than that it went surprisingly well. (Non-binary/questioning/11/Lesbian)