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)
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)
Story #2065
When I came out I felt like the luckiest person alive as I had a lot of supportive friends and family. Unfortunately, one of my friends has been really distant with me lately. When I asked her why, she said she didn’t want me to have a crush on her so we have stopped being friends. I am very lucky to have the best parents ever. Although my dad doesn’t really get it, he still loves me. (F/Bi/lesbian)
Story #2060
When I came out it was at church with my friend. She said to me, “I have a crush on a girl,” and I hadn’t told anyone I’ve liked girls since I knew what liking someone meant. “I’m gay,” I told her. She was so nice about it, and I have four friends who know; one is pan, one is gay, one is bi, and one is questioning. Now I have to come out to my conservative, Christian, homophobic grandmother whom I live with. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2056
When I came out I was in 4th grade (I was 10) and my friends were creeped out but supportive. I had a crush on one of my friends and I told her. She just grinned and said, “Cool!” I got over her and the next year I got a major crush on my other friend. I told her and she rejected my friendship. Now I have a crush on my hot music teacher. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2048
When I came out, I had been hiding it for two years being bi a couple months before I came out I decided I was gay. I was on FaceTime with my girlfriend and she told me that either I was gonna tell my mom or she was so it was 9:45 pm. I texted my mom and told her I needed to talk to her. She came up to my room and I went blank. The first thing she asked was “Are you pregnant?” My immediate response was “It’s not possible in this case.” After a couple of minutes I finally said, “I’m gay.” She smiled and said she loved me. She told my dad for me and she said he saw it coming so he wasn’t surprised. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #2042
When I came out the first time was to my parents. I told them I was bi, and they totally accepted me. Then I came out to someone who I thought was my friend, and she used every swear word and the F-slur at me. I also came out to my all-girls sleepaway camp. Then today I came out to my entire class. (F/12/Lesbian)