When I came out to my friend group it was the biggest weight off my shoulders. I had known since I was 14 and I knew my family wouldn’t care but I was so scared to tell my friends because of stuff they said in the past and they all had boyfriends. I told them while on a ski trip with school at 17 and I had never been more scared in my life that they wouldn’t treat me the same but once I got the words out I received nothing but support and I’m so grateful for them. (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2548
When I came out “unoffically” my parents checked my computer one night after a teacher complained at school because of me reading a lesbian wattpad story and saw lesbian tiktoks and videos in my search history. They were confused and I’m not sure if they support me as they are heavily Christian and don’t believe in it. I like a girl at our school (which is also a Christian school) and some teacher complained about us touching in class even though straight couples kiss in our class all the time. I feel unaccepted anywhere I go except when I’m playing sports. (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2541
When I came out it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I came out during covid (which was dumb) and I was almost 18 years old. I knew my parents were homophobic but I had hope that they would love me for who I was. Well, how wrong was I. I came out and my brother didn’t have a reaction and my dad went along with what my mom said. This means my mom is the most homophobic person I know and up to this day (almost 4/5 years later) she always has a way to make a homophobic comment. Every day these take a piece out of me. I still live with them (I should be grateful that they didn’t kick me out) but I am paying the price over the years and it is taking a little of me every day. (F/22/Lesbian)
Story #2533
When I came out, I was 14. Me and my mom were shopping and I saw a beautiful jacket with a heart sewn on it. And the heart had the lesbian colors on it. My mom saw me looking at it and scoffed. She took me home and questioned me and insulted the LGBTQ community. I was so mad, I screamed at her and called her a homophobic b-word and ran into my room. My mom tries to support me, but most of the time she just calls me weird for being lesbian. My dad doesn’t care at all, though. (Agender/15/Lesbian)
Story #2527
When I came out I was 14. I had the day off of school, and I guess my grandmother was trying to bond with me while my mom was at work, so she asked if I wanted to play a game. I said yes, not knowing what I was getting myself into. Of course she grabbed Life off of the shelf since it was my favorite game as a kid. When I was really young, my dad married a man in the game (even though he is straight), and I figured I could marry a woman to not-so-subtly hint to my VERY conservative grandmother that I liked girls. We started playing the game and when I landed on the space that said I had to get married, instead of saying I wanted to stay single like I usually do, I put a little pink person in the passenger seat next to me. She stared at me, and I just looked her dead in the eyes. Finally, she broke the silence by saying, “(My full name), did you just marry a woman?” I just said yeah, and she frowned. (She bought me a rainbow pin so I think she’s finally used to it.) (F/18/Lesbian)
Story #2525
When I came out was when I brought my “best friend” (Indie) home for dinner. Later, we went into the movie room and we just happened to be kissing when my dad walked in. I was so embarrassed, but he just laughed and smiled and said, “You do you. You need to tell your mom about this.” I nodded and as Indie held my hand, I told my parents: “Mom, Dad, I’m lesbian. I like girls. This is my girlfriend Indie. She’s awesome. And I love her.” At this point I was sobbing, but what my mom did shocked me. She ran over and hugged me and told me how proud she was of me and how she would always support me. I felt so special. I am so happy I have an awesome girlfriend and loving parents! (F/14/Lesbian)
Story #2524
When I came out, I had only told close friends and few family members. I worked at a job that is mostly female and lived in a conservative town, so of course I would hear them all talk about their boy crushes. Often times I felt uncomfortable because I was afraid of them asking me about mine. Then one day it happened, and I decided to be brave. I replied, “I’ll think on it and give you a list.” I wrote down 3 women and gave it to her. She wrote me a note back saying, “HOT! They’re all so… yes!” It made my day. (F/17/Lesbian/sapphic)
Story #2520
When I came out to my roommate the other night, I was really worried about how this could change our friendship. I’m 20 years old and it was my first coming out. I’ve known for 6 years but only recently felt safe and brave enough to actually talk about my feelings. I’m glad I did come out to her because it feels like I’m finally breaking free, and she assured me that she’s going to accept me no matter what. (F/20/Lesbian)
Story #2517
When I came out, I was a late bloomer. I was a teen in the 70’s, and … I never even considered telling anyone. Even in my 50’s, I wasn’t telling psychiatric practitioners. Along the way, only one close friend, who was extremely broad-minded, was let in on the secret. One Friday evening in 2018, when I was 59, it came to me like a gentle revelation as I watched a trans-related YouTuber. I was going to do it. I don’t live anywhere near family, but have a large contingent of friendly coworkers. I started slow, with very subtle nail color, and pierced my ears after a couple of months. I also started wearing women’s scents. All the changes were welcomed, and even cheered on, by the people at work. In the first year, I started laser hair removal on my face, and almost on the year anniversary, started hormone therapy. Shortly thereafter, I told my managers at work. The next winter, I ventured to work the first time en femme, in black slacks and an attractive top.. I was up to skirts in less than a week. And for Valentine’s day, I left Hershey’s kisses with “It’s a girl” stickers on the bottom, with a nice card for the entire staff. Very well-received. I have been so fortunate! Out and obvious before the lockdown. And this September … I had “the surgery.” I knew from the beginning I’d want that. I got there. (F/64/Lesbian)
Story #2513
When I came out to my mother as ftm, she told me that it was just “a trend” and that she will not “subscribe to your ideology.” She then refused to call me by my preferred pronouns (he/him). I was heartbroken, and that lasted for a while. However, that was 2 years ago… Today… I am Bigender. My pronouns are now she/him, and I feel very comfortable about it. I’ve came out to me friends, and they’re all supportive. It’s just my parents who still think and want me to be straight and cis. (Bigender/14/Lesbian/Demiromantic/Greysexual/Polyamorous)