When I came out I was eight years old. My family wasn’t thrilled about it and took a while to use the right pronouns. They started by just calling me by my name, then using they/them pronouns, until finally they used he/him. It took years for them to comfortably use the right pronouns, and the past three or four years it’s been completely seamless. It took a while, but once they realized that it wasn’t a phase and that it was what I wanted, they became incredibly accepting. It will be hard at first, but after a while it gets sooo much easier. (M/17/FtM)
Story #2703
When I came out, it was over a text message. I made a massive letter and sent it on the bus with my (very) supportive friends. After school, I saw the reply and my mum said “ok cool”. Honestly couldn’t have wanted a better response haha. My mum even found me trans ftm friends. I now am living my best life as a guy. (M/13/FtM)
Story #2697
When I truly came out for the first time, it wasn’t planned. I’d been struggling with my mental health for a while, and one night, while texting my best friend (who I had already come out to as bi the year before) I let it all out. When he asked how I’d been doing mentally, I told him about my struggles with anxiety and depression and admitted that I had lied about being bi just so a part of me could still feel “normal,” even though I’m just gay, which really isn’t that bad either 🙂 I love you all — remember, you’re not alone in this! (M/18/Gay)
Story #2680
When I came out, I was talking to my friend. I had already come out to myself, and she is one of the only people who is not religious where I live and that is why I could not/cannot come out to my family or other friends. We were in private, and I decided I would finally come out. I got really shaky, and I almost cried a bit, and I said, “You know how I flirt with girls? Well, that is fake.” (I pretended to have huge crushes on girls so that no one would suspect anything. I was also really bad at flirting because I had no actual attraction to them.) She whispered, “So, are you gay?” and I nodded and she said, “Oh my gosh, that is totally OK, that makes so much sense.” That is when the tears really started and I am so grateful for her. She is still really supportive and hasn’t told anyone. I feel so much better. Still haven’t come out to anyone else, because again, everyone is super religious. (M/14/Gay)
Story #2673
When I came out I was twelve and had just gone to high school, which was the first place I ever thought about the word “gay,” as it was frequently used as a joke and insult. My best friend was chill though, and it gave me the courage to come out to my family. If people see this, know that it’s scary but if the people in your life are worth it then they will accept you for who you are lol. (M/15/Gay?)
Story #2669
When I came out in the spring of 1970, it was nine months after the Stonewall rebellion. Once I owned my identity as a gay man, I made sure everyone knew. I started the New Haven Gay Liberation Front, moved to NYC to work in the original Gay Liberation Front and live in a pioneering gay men’s collective, and ensure that others would not have to suffer in the closet as I did. Close to 55 years later, I’m actively working in the WA State LGBTQ Commission to safeguard our rights. Being gay is a blessing. (M/79/Gay)
Story #2668
When I came out, it was completely accidental. I was watching a movie with my aunt, who was my legal guardian, when the movie said the three words that started it all: “I ain’t gay.” My aunt chuckled before seeing me tense up before asking me if I was gay. That was when my mouth acted before my brain did and blurted out: “I am.” Ever since then, me and my aunt have grown closer and, lo and behold, my aunt is in a secret relationship with her manager, who happens to be a woman. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2664
When I came out, I was kicked out and they started insulting me. I came out to my parents as trans male and they were furious. My mom called me a disgrace and that she should’ve never had me. My dad shook his head and told me to pack my belongings. I was heartbroken and I moved into my best friend’s apartment. It hurt really bad when they kicked me out like I was nothing. I was fifteen when this happened; I am now nineteen. (Trans male)
Story #2662
When I came out, it was to my mom. I texted her when she was on a business trip. For once I really felt kinda free. My mom took it well. It just socks that I haven’t told anyone else mainly because most people think it’s a choice. I just wish homophobic people could see how painful and exhausting it is to fight to be you or to hide and pretend to be who you’re not. (M/15/Gay/bi)
Story #2659
When I came out life became easier. I wrote my parents a letter and they were very supportive and accepting. They just said they love me for who I am . Even though it won’t be easy to come out to my extended family, at least my parents are with me. (M/13/Gay)