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)
Story #2655
When I came out, I was at the park with my best friend, her sister, and my siblings whom I have know for a long time. We were playing truth or dare and someone asked her something that was related to lgbtqia+ or something and she came out as bi. That night I messaged her and said, “You know how you came out earlier, well it my turn now.” Turns out we are both bi. (M/13/Bi)
Story #2654
When I came out at 16 in 2016, I had already known for over a decade that I was only sexually attracted to other men, ever since I was 5. Growing up in a Christian family made it incredibly tough, and I worried about how they would react. But through adversity, I learned the importance of self-love and acceptance. To others going through similar challenges with religious family members, know that you are not alone, and as time passes, it will become easier. Embracing who I truly am has given me the strength to keep going, and I now know that I can make it through, no matter the challenges ahead. (M/24/Gay)
Story #2649
When I came out, I didn’t know about the LGBTQIA+ at all. I just told my parents, “I want to be a boy” and “I’m a boy”. They didn’t believe me at first, but started to realize I actually meant it when I told my friends at school in grade 2 and 3. They were a bit confused but really supportive from grade 4 and on, when I did a presentation about it in my class. My life is going pretty great, regardless of my hated middle name and nickname, and I run a Pride Club at my school. (M/12/Demiromantic/pansexual/FtM trans)
Story #2646
When I came out was so weird. Being trans can be so painful but so joyful as it is, but whenever I was asked about my future as a child, I just couldn’t envision my future as a woman. But since I came to terms with my gender and came out, I’ve felt so much inner peace and I can finally picture myself as an adult, a guy, not a girl. My family are kind of touchy on the subject and their reaction when I came out was mixed. Thankfully they use my name and it seems like(?) they’re trying with my pronouns. Whatever happens, I don’t care what they think. Coming to terms and realising my true identity has been the best thing ever; I finally feel at peace with myself knowing who I really am. I can’t wait for the day I can find a lover and start a happy, loving and accepting family and break that generational trauma that looms over my head. (Trans man / 15 / Unlabeled)
Story #2642
When I came out, it was really tough and heartbreaking. My mom was silent during the time while my dad called me an imaginative freak because he believes that asexuality is imaginary and not real. I was sad and depressed after that and the second I moved out at 18, which was in May, I felt free. I attended my first Pride Parade three months ago. (M/18/Asexual)