When I came out I basically wrote a note saying to a girl who had a crush on me. I remember exactly what I wrote: “I’m sorry but I’m not interested in you, nothing personal. I think I am gay because I kinda have a crush on the new kid in science class.” After she read it, she came up to me and said, “It’s ok, I support you.” I felt really relieved! (M/Gay)
Story #2329
When I came out I was about 7 years old and did not know what transgender was. I had short hair and lived in Wisconsin. I was mistaken for a boy very often, even on an all girls soccer team. Basically I told my mom that when people thought I was a boy I would just go along with it and say yes I was a boy. We were moving from Wisconsin to Missouri at the time, both not good spots for a trans kid. But my mom asked me my new name and everyone at my new school had no idea I was not cis. I only stayed in Missouri for a year than we moved to Minnesota, and here it is much better for me to be me! (M/11/Omnisexual/transgender)
Story #2311
When I came out, I don’t think I entirely did it intentionally. Which, yes, in retrospect is absolutely hilarious. And at that point, I think my mom might have already known. I started out thinking that I was cis; as years went on, though, my views changed, and I thought I might be nonbinary. And then, I realized I prefer male pronouns, and wanted to be comfortable in my own body! One day, I was just in the car, and I just sort of said it to my mom. I don’t really have any preferred names right now, and she was a bit confused by that. I’m still on the road to figuring myself out, but it’s getting easier every day! Thank you for listening 🙂 (Male [FtM]/12/Bisexual)
Story #2309
When I came out I wrote a message to share with close friends and family first via text while I was on vacation for a week. Soon after, I posted my message to facebook for everyone to see. It was easier for me to come out all at once than having to deal with coming out to each person in my life, plus doing it while I was away gave time for people to digest it before facing them. This way may not be right for everyone, but there was a ton of relief in pulling the band-aid off all at once, especially for someone like myself who isn’t the most emotionally forthcoming. I had some really great conversations with the people after I posted it, and have never felt better. (M/25)
Story #2307
When I came out I had been questioning my gender identity for a long time. I was born a girl but never connected with it. People always thought of me as a lesbian tomboy and nothing more but when I learned about being trans and what it was I realized that I wasn’t a girl. However I was still very confused and scared so instead of making the jump to being a trans guy I waited and stuck with the term non-binary (but as you can tell it wasn’t the right fit). After a lot of thought I came out to my parents over dinner. I was nervous even though it was my third time. Overall I have been accepted by my family and friends. Along with this hope to take steps to medically transition. (M/13/Trans (FtM)/straight? bi?)
Story #2298
When I came out, I came out as bi at first, then a year later I found that I’m actually pansexual. My mom, dad, brothers, and sister were supportive of me. After coming out, I felt a huge relief like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. Now I’m living a happy life and dating the man of my dreams. (M/36/Pansexual)
Story #2293
When I came out, it was at a Halsey concert in 2018. I was with my twin brother and his girlfriend. She said to yell if you were lgbtq+, and I yelled. My brother and his girlfriend were SHOCKED. They asked me what I was and I said I was gay. The first thing my brother said was “omg this all makes sense now, I’ve always wanted a gay bro”. On the other hand, his girlfriend won’t talk to me any more. (M/19/Gay as hell)
Story #2272
When I came out, my friends were super supportive, my family not so much. My mum slowly started to support me and is now ok with me starting hormones, but my Christian dad isn’t and refuses to use my name and pronouns. He also is very against me starting my medical transition. It’s a struggle every day, and I know he doesn’t mean me any harm but I wish he understood that I would feel a lot less suicidal if he just accepted me for me. (M/16)
Story #2263
When I came out, my parents and family didn’t accept me for who I was. They said I wasn’t worth living and an ungrateful piece of s**t. I didn’t care what they said. Even though what they told me hurt, I still loved my parents. And I still didn’t care; I love myself and they have to respect my decision. (M/13/Gay/bi)
Story #2258
When I came out was actually just 30 minutes ago to my grandma. She texted me an artist whose name was Angelina Jordan and said it was her favorite artist. Then she proceeded to say, “I love listening to her when I feel a little extra bi.” She also said that many in our family were bi and that she loved me. So basically my grandma came out to me and I was like f it and I told her I was demi and trans. We then texted a little more and she said she knew since I was 3. I’ve always been scared to tell my grandparents but I now know they’ll always love me. (M/13/Demisexual/transgender)