When I came out as bisexual (biromantic asexual, to be specific) to my best friend in middle school, she immediately grimaced and then later left my house crying; she proceeded to block me on all social media and avoided me entirely. It hurt and made it hard for me to continue to explore my identity, but I have tried out and landed on other labels since then (trans, gray-asexual, and panromantic), and, fortunately, coming out to loved ones in the future has (mostly) gone far, far better. I now have a close group of friends that are all queer, a nonbinary partner that I love deeply and that deeply loves me, and a family that supports me completely even if they don’t always understand. It can get better; there are people out there that will love you for your whole self, so find them, or let them find you. Love and acceptance is possible, finding those like you is inevitable, and feeling truly cherished is beautiful. (M/21/Transgender/queer)
Story #2230
When I came out I started looking up coming out stories. This was at the beginning of the year and I realized that I like both women and guys and I find some guys very attractive and wanted to date a guy and be with one and experience all the things that being with a guy entails. I started telling some close friends that I recently realized I’m bisexual and they couldn’t be more accepting of me, and I told them I was gonna tell my parents but I was freaked out to tell them. They told me that they knew my parents would be accepting of this, but I was still terrified to tell them, so I wrote them a letter explaining how I realized I was bisexual and it’s not a phase or something I can change. They both read it and accept me. I’ve told a lot of my cousins and friends and they all accept me. I haven’t been happier accepting I’m bisexual. (M/32/Bisexual)
Story #2222
When I came out as pansexual I did it to my mom as “I’m gay but kinda not.” She says it’s OK but she’s homophobic in reality. I don’t use feminine stuff but just even a ring pisses her off. Luckily I’ve got a supportive sister and friend instead and that’s all I need! ×) (M/Pansexual)
Story #2208
When I came out, I asked my close friend to meet me and she agreed. So I picked her up and sat in Indomart (Indonesian version of 7 Eleven). She knew that I wanted to talk about a serious matter. I couldn’t say it, so I gave her my audio recorder and I came out. She was very supportive and she also came out as bisexual. (M/18/Gay)
Story #2199
When I came out to my parents (yesterday) I was shaking so bad. I couldn’t look to my dad’s eyes cause I thought he would take some time to accept it. Turns out they both we’re really supportive and just want me to be happy. Now my mom is scared of the things I might go through someday and I don’t actually know how to calm her down. Now I feel awesome. I know that I can always count on them. 🇧🇷 (M/18/Bi)
Story #2196
When I came out to my parents, I hadn’t even planned on doing it. It was actually my father who asked me. I tried to avoid the question and it took me about 5 minutes to finally answer: yes… They were like: “Oh, ok… Why didn’t you tell us before? We’re your parents and we’re gonna love you no matter what”. So I started crying and they hugged me, saying how much they loved me. (M/Gay)
Story #2194
When I came out I at first told my friends, then a girl in my class said that she was too. I felt really happy that someone other than me knew what pan was. So then my parents found out. I did not tell them. So they did not talk to me for over 2 weeks. Then after the 2nd week was over, my dad told me that this was just a phase. But I showed him a pic of my ex-boyfriend and he said, “Oh wow,” then left it at that. (M/17/Pansexual)
Story #2191
When I came out I was really scared because I go to a Catholic school. Most my friends were supportive. I told them name (Ethan) and my pronouns (he/him). They respect me and my choices even though I get the occasional “Why can’t you just stay a girl?” Right now I’m attending online group therapy sessions, which really helps. Hopefully today I have the courage and strength to ask my dad for a chest binder (wish me luck🤠) (Male/14/FtM)
Story #2181
When I came out to my parents, my dad had high blood pressure for three days and my mother said I was making a selfish choice. (M/25/Bi)
Story #2171
When I came out I was 16, and I told my female friend on her birthday since I wanted her to know my true “presence” as one of her “presents.” After coming out to a few more people a couple months later on National Coming Out Day (October 11th), I got the courage to submit this yearbook quote: “I started high school with straight A’s… now I’m not even straight! I’m still me, though!” I have yet to get a negative reaction, and I have come out to bunch of people at college already. (M/17/Not straight)