Lesbian Coming Out Stories

When I came out to my best friend we were 14. It was 3am and we were lying in my bed during a sleepover. I looked over and said, “I think I’m gay” really quietly and just started crying. She rolled over, said, “I know, I’m going to sleep.” We still laugh about it years later, especially because she just came out to me as bi. (F/18/Lesbian)

When I came out in 8th grade, it was to my mom. I sent her a text message saying that I was bi; we didn’t really talk about it. Eventually, I ended up going back to the closet. This year I figured out that I am lesbian and only my brother knows it. (F/17/Lesbian)

When I came out to my friend, I didn’t really come out. We were just talking and we slowly discovered together our sexuality. I guess I needed someone to help me understand myself. Now I’m a lesbian and she’s bi. (F/18/Lesbian)

When I came out I had known I wasn’t straight for a while, but had only admitted I was full-on lesbian a couple of months before. I was having a heart-to-heart conversation with my mum and she asked me what had been worrying me the past year, so I gave her some clues and she guessed, saying, “Well, I know you’re not taking drugs, so you might be wondering whether you like boys, or girls.” She said it really simply, it was super nice, and because of that I plucked up the courage to tell one of my closest friends, who is gay herself and just straight (ha…) up texted her, “I just came out to my Mum.” She replied… “Out of what?” and listed many options, about 15 of them, ranging from “the closet” to “a tuba.” (F/Lesbian)

When I came out it was very unexpected. I’d told maybe 7 of my closest friends and definitely not my parents. I said about a year beforehand to a bi friend (we came out to each other and I have a massive crush on her but haven’t said) that I would never lie about my sexuality and I stuck to that. This girl was going round the classroom asking if we were lesbian (all-girl school) and I was the last person to ask of course so I said yes! I’d expected the rumours to spread but so far no one has said anything. It’s so relieving for everyone to know. Not my mum, though; she is abusive and I live alone with her so I’ll tell her when I get married. (F/15/Lesbian)

When I came out to my older cousin (who is gay) I texted him the songs “Girls,” “Girls Like Girls,” “Same Love,” and a few others. He texted back, “Are you trying to tell me something?” Then he told me he loved me and told my mom for me. (F/15/Lesbian)

When I came out, I showed my mum a compilation of photos with writing up the top saying: “Which of these people are not a lesbian?” (Idk). She didn’t get it, so I told her, “No, Mum. I like girls.” She was quite supportive but did question me later saying that feelings can change (basically saying it was a phase) but it’s not. (F/Lesbian)

When I came out it was to my BFF at the time (who I was secretly in love with) and she said, “I thought something was up.” She was super supportive. Sadly, I am no longer in contact with her. When I came out to mom, however, I wanted to die because I knew she was an extremely strict Christian and doesn’t support it. She recently told me, “I love you but do not support the sin.” And, now? Being 17, I just do not give a crap anymore. BE YOURSELF, OWN IT! You will be happier. (F/17/Lesbian)

When I came out, it was only to a small group of people. I hadn’t decided how to define myself, but I had had a massive crush on my friend for years. I just blurted it out. Turns out half the people I know are gay. I haven’t come out to my family or my school (both conservative). I have a support group now, so whenever I have to answer a question in religion class like “Why are men and women supposed to be married,” we manage to laugh it off. (12/Probably lesbian)

When I came out my mom was like not surprised at all. She calmly said, “I know.” My dad doesn’t wanna talk about it but I know he thinks it’s okay.  I think the most supportive family member is my sister, who is 11. She brags about it to her friends and is so proud of me. She bought a dress with a text saying, “Be yourself” with a rainbow behind it. (F/16/Lesbian)