When I came out, I had a crush on my friend who is 3 years older than me. She’s religious but I knew that she wasn’t against LGBTQ. I thought about my feelings for a while and I had lost my feelings for her because we respect each other and support each other a lot and I didn’t want to lose that. I was terrified to come out to her and I also confessed that I had a crush on her but I no longer did. She took it so well and said that she fully supports me and that my sexuality doesn’t change how she views me and I just feel so relieved and happy to have someone who supports and cares about me. (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #2672
When I came out, I was twelve years old at the time. I don’t really remember the context that well, but I did turn to my mum and say: ‘I might be gay.’ This was followed by awkward silence, to which I peered over to see she was typing out a Facebook post: ‘My twelve year old just came out to me as gay, do I give them the talk’. Humiliated, I just took it back. Two years later I tested the waters, coming out as bisexual, to which I was told, ‘everyone starts out that way, you’re confused.’ My friends have all been supportive, it’s just my parents that I have to deal with now. I have yet to mention that I use she/they pronouns. (Demigirl/17/Lesbian)
Story #2667
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)