When I came out, I was just 15, a sophomore in high school, and had been hiding since 7th grade. I became really close to an online friend and felt she would be the best person to tell first, so I said that I had to tell her something, and her response was “You’re gay?” I spent the next few minutes deciding whether or not I really wanted to do it and eventually said yes. She was really supportive, which inspired me to come out to my irl friends, and they all said “I knew” or “I’ve been waiting for this forever!” I was overwhelmed with support and felt so happy to be able to tell them without fear. A few months later, my mom asked pretty bluntly and I just nodded. I then learned that 2 of my 3 siblings were also gay, and was so happy I had support from my family. I haven’t told my dad or extended family yet, but I plan to eventually. (M/16/Gay)
Story #2163
When I came out it was a normal school lunch. My friend asked me what I think my sexuality is. I told her I’m not really sure but I think I’m gay. I come from a VERY accepting town (most people are LGBTQ+ or support them) and my friend already had two other gay friends so I already knew she was accepting. I felt so good about it and even told my other friends later that day. (M/13/Gay)
Story #2162
When I came out, I told my best friend while we were outside going into school in the morning. It freaked us out for 5 minutes, just saying it out loud and understanding the truth of it, but it was worth it. She’s the reason I got through fifth grade. (M/15/Gay)
Story #2160
When I came out, my friend came out to me over text and I responded “k” because I had no clue what to say, and then a few minutes later I responded with “me too.” (M/14/Gay)
Story #2150
When I came out, I had first realised I was bi when watching Matthew Daddario. Then about a year later I was skiing with my friends, and it was about 11pm at night and the convo was getting really deep and someone asked the group, “If you were gay who would you date?” Being the sarcastic person I am, I said, “I prefer the term freewheeling bisexual.” My other friends found out from those friends. I’ve just had an argument with a close friend of mine because he wouldn’t stop making jokes about my sexuality, and I feel like I won’t come out to parents for a while in case they do the same thing. (M/14/Bi)
Story #2145
When I came out I was 13 years old. I came out to my friends and they accepted me. I haven’t told my family yet and I know they’ll all accept me, but it’s still scary because I don’t want anything to change because I’m an overthinker. (M/13/Bi/gay)
Story #2140
When I came out to one of my friends I was 16. It was a very hard experience. I thought that she was going to block me, but turns out she was nice and supportive. And just today, I came out to one of my very conservative best friends. He was disappointed and sad but it’s okay to me. What about my parents? I’m scared of them. They are both super religious and very close-minded. (M/17/Gay)
Story #2137
When I came out to myself, I was 20. I’m 28 now, and it’s been hard every single day of my life. It’s been hard to accept this part of myself, and to hear almost everyone around me make fun of LGBT people doesn’t help. I just wish I had someone to talk to, a friend who would understand me and not judge me. Maybe one day… (M/28/Gay)
Story #2134
When I came out, I came out to my girlfriend. She told me she has some interests in women so the following week I told her I have some interest in men. 2 years later, we still are happily together #bi (M/25/Bi)
Story #2131
When I came out to my father, I did a book, a notebook, and wrote a letter to him in the first page. I left it at his house and traveled back to my city. He never gave me an answer. After a couple months I asked him and he said he didn’t say anything because it was normal, he didn’t have anything to accept because he wasn’t better than me. (M/31/Gay)