When I came out I was 15 and terrified. I realized I liked girls somewhere around sixth grade, and I just couldn’t tell my mom. We were really close because I’m an only child and my dad left when I was two. In my freshman year of high school, I knew I had to tell her because it was impacting our relationship, and killing me to be keeping something from her. I just told her my crush’s name the next time she asked and she said, “I know, hon, it’s fine. What do you think of my boyfriend?” Her boyfriend is the best, and trust me, it does get better! (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2599
When I came out, it was around the mid 2000s, possibly 2004 or 2005, but I didn’t have a clue about what the LGBTQ was and I was diagnosed with anxiety issues and whatnot. I told my therapist first and she was fairly supportive and even encouraged me to tell my parents. I mustered up the courage to tell my parents at dinner that night, and my parents smiled and told me I will be loved no matter what I am. I was proud and nowadays I even thank my therapist, who sadly died in 2021 due to cancer. I got married in 2017 with a beautiful wife – who is trans and bi – and we live happily with our two-month-old twins and rowdy golden retriever. (F/34/Lesbian)
Story #2597
When I came out I had a really supportive family. Me and my dad were just talking about my day and then all the sudden my dad asked me if I was gay. I think he got the idea because I was reading all these queer stories and like buying pride flags. When I told him he said, “Well, I’m proud of you.” And I felt really accepted. Soon after I came out to my siblings. It took some time for them to understand; everything can be very confusing especially at a young age. (F/she/they/Lesbian/gay)
Story #2596
When I came out we were at a family gathering, and my uncle then came up with the topic of love and asked me if I had a boyfriend yet. I just shook my head and told him and the rest of my family that I didn’t even want to have a boyfriend and that I was lesbian. My family was really supportive and my cousin (15M) even unexpectedly came out with me as bi. (F/17/Lesbian)
Story #2587
When I came out, it was to my grandmother first. We have a close relationship, but we don’t usually talk about very personal or emotional stuff. I think that’s why I chose to come out to her — regardless of her emotions, I knew she would probably say something pretty neutral and give me a pat on the back, which is exactly what I needed. Coming out to her gave me the confidence to just stop trying to hide it. I love her so much. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2579
When I came out, it was pretty unplanned. I went out for dinner with my mom and brother, and we were just talking while waiting for our food to arrive when somehow the topic of dating came up. I told them that boys are disgusting and I didn’t want a boyfriend, and then my mom asked if I wanted a girlfriend instead. I took a deep breath, and said yes, and told them I am lesbian. Hopefully I will come out to my dad soon but I have no idea what his reaction will be. Good luck to y’all closeted people( if you’re planning to come out)! (F/11/Lesbian)
Story #2573
When I came out, I was 18, and my parents just laughed and said they suspected it when I started dressing a bit masculine when I was 10. I’m loved and accepted by my friends and family. (F/24/Lesbian)
Story #2571
When I came out a year ago, I was with my girlfriend for 9 months. I love her. I’ve been feminine my whole life, so my mom didn’t really “expect” it. Anyways, I got pretty good reactions. My girlfriend did too, but everyone expected her to be gay since she presents more masculine. I am still active at church. I pray to god. I live life to the fullest. (F/12/Lesbian)
Story #2569
When I came out, I think I had known since I was around 14-15. I initially came out as ace, and now lesbian. I had a minor crush on one of my classmates – who I didn’t know was bi at the time – and one day at a sleepover, we were playing truth or dare with my friend group. And then the dreaded question came up: Do you like anyone? I took a deep breath, and told them I had a crush on [the girl] and that I was gay. Everyone was super supportive. It has been about 2 years since then, and I am forever grateful for my friends. We always insult each other jokingly and they have been there for me like family, even when my own parents weren’t. They asked me if I was planning to come out to my parents and I said no. My parents are super homophobic and transphobic. They are traditional and even if I was straight, they wouldn’t want me dating anyone not of my race (I’m South Indian btw). I am happy with my identity and the things I’ve learned about myself, and my parents can’t change that. (F/16/Lesbian/ace)
Story #2568
When I came out I first came out to my friends in my drama class. I was 11 and knew for a really long time that I was a lesbian because of how I had never gotten any crushes on boys but only girls. I also had a major crush on my friend since the beginning of the year. So they were talking about how many people they knew that were LGBTQ and they then asked me. I was super scared and so I just said “me”. And it turns out they were super accepting and one of them was gay too and the girl I have a crush on is bi. I haven’t come out to my parents yet but I have given lots of clues so idk how they don’t know yet? (F/12/LESBEAN🏳️🌈)