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)
Story #2641
When I came out, I was in the car with my parents. My dad was chilling and listening to his audiobook while my mom was driving the car and thinking out loud. I had known I was bisexual for a long time and hiding my true self ate at me so bad that it hurt. I told my mom and dad so fast that they turned around asked me to repeat on what I said. I cleared my throat and told my parents once again. They smiled and said that me being different was nice and that they love me no matter what. My mom teased me if I had a boyfriend and I told her about my boyfriend of 3 months. She was surprised but happy for me. (M/15/Bisexual)
Story #2638
When I came out at first I thought I was non-binary, but a few weeks ago I realized I am trans. My parents are weird about it, but my boyfriend is the most supportive partner. He asked what pronouns and name I needed and was just amazing. It’s hard learning how to navigate the world with this thing but I feel so good knowing just a little more about myself. (M/14)
Story #2637
When I came out, ‘transgender’ was a word I’d never heard of, but ‘lesbian’ was, so that’s what I went with. My sexuality went around a few roundabouts, but I eventually came out as non-binary and transmasc/trans male and found my sexuality along the way. I told my parents I was trans by leaving an unsent message in my mum’s text messages. I told my brother by saying, ‘I’m your brother’ and he said, ‘I know’. My identity might not make sense to everyone, but it works for me :)) (Non-binary/transmasc/male/18/Bi/asexual/aromantic)
Story #2636
When I came out, I was 14. I felt very uncomfortable in my own skin and I would sort of shame myself, and an example, I would pull my hair and cut it. And when I came into my parent’s bedroom, they looked at me and just sighed, I don’t know in relief or in shame, but they looked at me and nodded slightly. I took it as acceptance and now I’m living as my true self. (Transgender man [FtM]/19/Demiromantic)