When I came out to my parents they didn’t accept me. Now it passed 6 months and I’m being more gay every single day… I don’t know what to do now. I just want to escape from the reality of this cruel life because I can’t accept that your parents won’t let you be what you want! (M/17/Homosexual)
Story #2024
When I came out to my mom it was just yesterday. I had already been out at school and to my friends but hadn’t come out to her yet. I got a pride flag from Amazon and it came and she picked it up and was like, “Is this a gay flag and are you telling me you’re gay?” and I’m like, “I don’t know.” Then I went to work and came home last night and she said, “I guess you’re glad that’s out cause you didn’t like hiding it” and I’m like, “Yeah” and she said it’s a sin and she’s disappointed but she doesn’t love me any less. So I guess it went ok 🏳️🌈 (M/19/Gay)
Story #2023
When I came out I was on my way home with one of my best friends since we live near each other. As we were walking home he noticed that I kept texting someone and he asked me who it was. All of a sudden I started panicking and like hyperventilating because I was under the influence and I couldn’t come up with a good lie. I started to cry and he was so confused and then I texted him that it was a boy and that I liked guys just because I couldn’t say it. He hugged me and made me feel very comfortable. That day I didn’t expect to tell someone and I wasn’t planning on telling anyone any time soon but I’m glad that I don’t have to lie to him anymore. I still have to tell others but I’m glad I have him for support. (M/17/Gay)
Story #2018
When I came out to my best friend I was 19 years old, the day before my birthday. I wanted to be more free, you know what I mean? Well, I just told her I wanted to go out for a coffee. We started talking and suddenly I was speechless; she was the first person ever that I was just coming out to. She asked me what was going on, and I almost had an anxiety attack, it was just too much for me. All my life I was told homosexuality was a sin, so I started believing that for a second. The moment I told her I was bi, she just hugged me and told me nothing was going to change. (M/23/Bisexual)
Story #2017
When I came out to my mother, she took it very well because she is more open-minded and accepting. We just got back from shopping at Walmart and as we parked in the driveway of her home, I stopped and said, “Mom, I’m gay”. She looked at me as if she weren’t surprised and said, “I already knew that. Now help me get the groceries out of the car”. It may have taken some time for others to accept me, but it has been worth the life to live because I am finally ME. (M/21/Homosexual)
Story #2016
When I came out I felt like I could actually be myself. The process of coming out was bittersweet because my parents are divorced and I knew one would take it better than the other so I came out to my mom and dad on two different days. While my dad and I were on our way to church it took all of the strength and courage to say the words “I’m gay”. As the words left my mouth the tears started to slowly slide down my face because I knew his standing point on LGBTQ. We had a very long battle for 4 years because I wasn’t willing to settle for someone I am not. I am now proud to say that he loves me for who I am, as well as my husband. (M/21/Homosexual)
Story #2014
When I came out it was 2007 and I was 27 years old, though I’d known I was gay since I was about 12. I came out to my best (girl) friend first… she was amazing… Next was my childhood buddy (more like a brother). He was great to me, but slightly freaked out. Then I told my mom, who I always thought would be my “champion”, and she freaked out and called my dad… and my father, the supreme jock, the masculine supreme, accepted me straight up for who I was and told me to stop worrying about being myself!!! So… don’t hold back for people you think may be “disappointed”, do you… the lovers will always love! (M/39/Gay)
Story #2010
When I came out, it was first to my best friends at my lunch table. They were very supportive, as many of them were members of the LGBTQ+ community. After that, I started putting gay (you know: rainbow hearts, love is love pins, the like) on my backpack. I still hadn’t come out to my parents so they were a little surprised to see those pins on my bag. One day I walked in and my parents said they wanted to talk. I had been working up the courage to talk to them and tell them but it was right then I knew it was time to. I told them that I had realized that I liked both boys and girls and I hoped that they could accept me as I was. That when my mom told me that she was actually bisexual as well and that before she had met my dad, she went out with several women in college. That helped me know that I could trust my mom and my dad with anything I was feeling, about anyone, and I count them as not just my parents, but two of my best friends. (M/16/Bi)
Story #2009
When I came out, it was to my friends. I was super nervous so instead of saying that I was trans I just kind of said, “By the way, I’m a guy.” Everyone was super supportive and all of them are LGBT+. I also came out to my dance teacher and my history teacher, both of whom are very supportive. I haven’t come out to my transphobic parents yet, but I plan to come out on New Year’s as my resolution. I’m pretty nervous but also excited. (M/13/FtM/gay/panromantic)
Story #2006
When I came out as bi to my friends they were all so happy for me and showered me with support and love. Later on I realized I was actually gay. I really wanted to tell my parents but I was so scared how they would react; one day it became too much to hold in so a wrote them a note explaining to them that I was gay. The next day my parents told me they loved me and supported me no matter what. I felt so relieved after. (M/16/Gay)