When I first came out when I was 12 I came out as ftm and bi. Well, not exactly, I was outed because I had a severe mental breakdown and couldn‘t handle lying anymore. Afterwards I got told I was “confused” and that I was going through a “phase”. I also had to befriend and unfriend some people because my mom thought they were a bad influence and made me that way. The people I befriended turned out to be some degree of homophobic too. Nowadays I‘m 14 and I still feel this way. I often cry because I feel dysphoric. I‘m scared of coming out too because of what happened last time, but I think my family would be more supportive this time. (They/he/14/Masc non-binary/pansexual)
Story #2576
When I came out I was exhausted. I was stressed with school (grades, choices, career paths, etc.) and I had been having some issues with my sister screaming at us a lot and ruining our family evenings. My mom had also just returned from the hospital after suffering a stroke while we were on vacation. I was losing sleep, and I was lying in bed with my dad, and he told me that everything was going to be okay. I told him that I was dysphoric and that I may be non-binary. He was very supportive, but I told him not to tell anybody else because I’m still unsure what they would say. I am writing this the same evening of this happening. I should probably go to school, but I nearly cried of joy. (Non-binary/Bi)
Story #2558
When I came out I was 23, my mom and dad were shocked but they quickly supported me, I was bisexual and identified as genderfluid; now, I identify as bisexual, asexual, and non-binary. I hope everything goes well to my closeted friends. Be you, and don’t try to fit in the box! (Non-binary/25/Bisexual/asexual)
Story #2557
When I came out as non-binary, I had to come out twice. I’d known I wasn’t my assigned gender since I was eight years old, back in year three. I came out to my parents for the first time when I was 12. They told me it was “just a phase” and that I was “persuaded into this by the media”. I truly thought that they would be supportive since they already knew I was bi. My friends were supportive, but everyone only seems to use my preferred name and pronouns when texting, never at school or to my face. The second time I came out to my parents, I finally got through to them. I was allowed to style my hair how I wanted… but that was it. No name change, they don’t use my correct pronouns… but one day everyone will respect me for who I am, one day I will be who I want to be, look how I want to look. This is like a mantra I repeat to myself. “One day… I will be me.” (Non-binary/13/Bisexual)
Story #2556
When I came out in my junior year, I got bullied and teased. I never felt like I belonged with the boys nor the girls and I just kind of sat in the middle. When I came out to my parents, they were supportive and a bit edgy. Now, I identify as non-binary for the meantime (I’m still searching up what my gender is) and I’m homoromantic. (Non-binary/22/Homoromantic)
Story #2551
When I came out to my parents, it made me realize a lot. I didn’t get the choice to come out on my own terms, as they found out on their own and I was forced to come out. I felt pretty heartbroken when they responded with disgust and disbelief, almost like it was phenomenon. After that they just ignored who I was and it was just pretty awkward after that. I wish it ended up differently but it made realize that I should accept myself because that’s who I am. Do not let people dictate on who you are. Be yourself. (Non-binar/transmasc/13/Abrosexual)
Story #2531
When I came out to my boyfriend I was so nervous. I am biologically female, but I identify as He/They. He told me that he is supportive no matter what, and that he’ll love me just the same. I was so happy. He asked me what to call me, he’s told his family, and he’s been helping me out tremendously. If your partner truly loves you, they will accept you for who you are! If they don’t, then they’re not worth it. (Non-binary/male/16/Bisexual)
Story #2528
When I came out I was 11. At that time I identified as pansexual and had posted about it online. My parents, being overprotective, read it. Later, at a sleepover one September 15, my (lesbian) friend dared me to officially come out, as my parents hadn’t said anything on the topic. We made a little sign saying “am pansexual. – [deadname]”. (Transmasc/genderfluid/nonbinary/Pomoromantic/asexual/aro-spec)
Story #2515
When I came out, I told my parents that I didn’t feel like a girl, but not like a boy either. My dad asked, “What are you then, an alien?” My brother, who is extremely supportive, said, “Non-binary”, but my dad said that was fake. Then, my mom made a whole lecture on “puberty discomfort” and I sat through it, but I’ve felt disconnected from my gender for about a year now. I’ll try coming out to my parents when I’m older, so maybe then they’ll accept that I know who I am. Take something from my story; don’t forget: only you get to decide who you want to be. (Non-Binary/11)
Story #2512
When I came out, it was to my parents. They had known I was questioning my sexuality, but they didn’t exactly like it. I had made comments about me being aroace, but every time had felt like I was being judged for bringing it up so often (actually about once a month — and I’m aroace year round lol), and that my parents didn’t approve. I finally had another comment, and afterward I told my mom that I felt like I was not allowed to talk about my sexuality. They had made it clear that aroace was approvable because I’m not attracted to girls, but still not as good as straight (little do they know I’m pan oriented). (Non-binary trans masc/15/Trans non-binary gender-fluid pan-oriented aroace)