When I came out as lesbian it was about 6 months ago, but I had known I liked girls way before that. First I came out to my best friend, who was really nice about it, and we were talking about crushes and we both just blurted we had a crush on each other. It was awkward for like a day but then things went back to normal. When I came out to my mom as lesbian it wasn’t too long after I came out to my best friend, and I was so scared so decided to write it down and give the note to her. She was surprised but supportive, but I haven’t come out as nonbinary yet to anyone. (Nonbinary/12/Lesbian)
Story #2684
When I came out, it was tough for not only me, but my family as well. We were a very strict and religious household and my parents firmly believe that heterosexuality is the only sexuality that is deemed good. A couple hours after I came home from school, me and my family were eating dinner when my dad brought up politics, which he normally does as a lawyer, and I blurted out my bisexuality and non-binary identity. My mom looked at me as if I was crazy and my dad dramatically let out a groan. We haven’t talked since, but it feels a bit relieving that I’m out. (Non-binary/15/Bisexual)
Story #2679
When I came out first, I was like 11 or so. It was to my parents; I told my mother first that I was a lesbian. She was really supportive and my dad was too. I told it almost immediately, so they were a great help. Then, around half a year ago, I realised I wasn’t a girl. I first thought I was a demigirl, but after a while I realised I was nonbinary. My parents supported me again, but they needed time to adjust. Now they really try to use my pronouns, but it is hard to them. At school it’s worse; I am out to my friends, but they never use my right pronouns. My class can be really homophobic and that hurts. There is one boy I think is okay; however, he says really mean stuff, not to my face, but I can hear it… I hope it gets better, and I hope that everyone can be who they are. Never give up! (Nonbinary/13/Lesbian)
Story #2670
When I came out, I was twelve. At the time I had had an enbyfriend and identified as she/they. When I told my mom about them, I was surprised that she was supportive of it! Although some people weren’t “with it” my church was! I am so glad to be myself! (They/them/13/Poly)
Story #2660
When I came out as gay I was so afraid that my father would be upset, but he acknowledged me and even gave me advice on how to woo the person I wanted to ask out. My mother had a different reaction; even though she accepts everyone she could not accept me. I struggled with her insistences of it being a phase and how my partner would not accept me. But I stand today after 5 years feeling better about myself, being able to cut my hair the way I want and dress how I want with my partner who loves me regardless of my gender and orientation. It gets better. (Nonbinary/20/Queer)
Story #2647
When I came out, I was 10 years old. I thought I was bi at the time, but when I told my parents they said that I was “too young” and I was being “influenced” by a friend I had at the time. Now, I know I am queer, sapphic, and non-binary. I am not going to tell my parents because of their reaction when I was younger, but I am out to a few friends and it feels AMAZING to be able to talk about it and make gay jokes. If your parents don’t accept you, I am sending hugs and please know that I love you and accept you always. (Non-binary/13/Queer/sapphic)
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 #2629
When I came out, it was only to my parents, since two kids at school were getting bullied for being lesbian and the principal was against the LGBTQ+ community. Since coming out as pansexual and nonbinary, I’ve been trying to find ways to tell my long-distance friend in North Carolina and ways to tell my two closest friends via letters once I move. Downstate instead of in the UP, I hope to find support in my new middle school and to be celebrated. There are still going to be hurdles, but I can face them better knowing that my parents have my back always. (Nonbinary/agender/11/Pansexual)
Story #2623
When I came out my school was very homophobic. I got treated like crap for a long time, and my family refused to say anything about it in my house, but then I found a local GSA and made so many friends who support me unconditionally. Now I have a girlfriend and I am fully out! 😀 (Non-binary/12/Pansexual)
Story #2618
When I came out as non-binary, my girlfriend at the time talked about how I seemed so masculine and that using the non-binary label was just a fad. She is queer so I was hoping that over time she would grow to accept it, but the opposite happened. I was lucky to have a remote job so I could move out to be with family who still struggle with pronouns but accept me. I still struggle to understand my own gender fluidity because my gender feelings have always been strong, but feel like they change on a dime. At this point I’m out as non-binary though I don’t pass yet and the fluidity is not a thing I understand how to talk generally. However, this is the first time in my life that feels like I’m loving it in a way that is authentic to myself, and if you relate to my story at all, please be brave! ❤️ (Non-binary/genderfluid/27/Bisexual/demi-sexual/polyamorous)