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🏳️🌈)
Story #2567
When I came out, I said, “Mom, I like girls.” She responded with, “Wait, you thought we didn’t already know?” Apparently, I accidentally came out a year earlier and didn’t even notice. I don’t even remember what it was that I said to out myself at that time, but it makes for an interesting story, I guess! (F/22/Lesbian)
Story #2561
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)