When I came out to my mom she didn’t accept me. It wasn’t until after the 4th time that she realized I might not be cis and straight. After that she took me to a therapist that was going to “fix” me. I didn’t realize and thought she was trying to help so I told him all my secrets. Later I found out he repeated it all to my mom and homophobic family. When I came home my dad slapped me and I called my best friend. She hugged me and helped me come out to our friend group. I also found out my crush is pan so I might have a chance with them! (Genderfluid/14/Pan)
Story #2052
When I came out, my dad threw the vase of flowers I had just brought home from my first girlfriend across the room. I was petrified — he never acted that way. He wasn’t prepared; no one really was. A couple of my friends seemed to understand, or at least “love me through it”, but overall I wasn’t accepted for almost 4 years. Stay committed and stay strong. You’re never alone and the fight is so beyond worth it. Love whoever you love and do it with passion. Live your truth. (F/24/Pansexual)
Story #2045
When I came out to one of my best friends today, I did it unplanned. I was feeling sad and alone along with physical pain that started to build up. I just casually asked my friend if we could talk alone and then I struggled to find the right words. So I just said, “I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think I’m a girl.” She thought I was a trans guy, but I told her, “I also know I’m not a guy. I think I might be non-binary.” She knew what that meant and was very supportive, she told me everything was going to be okay as I cried in her arms. I have days were I feel like a girl and others when I don’t, and that’s a confusing place for me to be right now. I told her this but she just said, “You are who you are, and I’ll love you no matter what.” (?/15/Bi/Pan?)
Story #2029
When I came out I was 15 and had just gotten a haircut, and one of my mother’s friends (rude friend, I may add) commented that I looked like a lesbian. So I looked up, grinned, and said she wasn’t that far off, shocked both her and my mother. Honestly don’t regret it. (F/17/Pansexual)
Story #2012
When I came out to my mom it was two weeks before Christmas. I told her I was pansexual and she asked me what that meant. After I told her what it meant she told me that she loves me no matter what and as long as I was happy she would be okay with it. I told my brother before anyone else; he told me that he didn’t care as long as I was happy he was okay with it. He also told me that I would still be his sister no matter who I loved. I told my sister after my mom; she said she always that she knew and that she still loved me the same. I haven’t told my dad though; one day I will tell him and the rest of my family that I’m pansexual but that’s nowhere near soon. (F/13/Pansexual)
Story #2007
When I came out I was at my camp. Everyone there was super-accepting, and they all used my pronouns. Several other kids and some of the staff were trans as well. I decided to come out to my mom, but I’m uncomfortable with talking to her so I wrote her a note and hid it in her bag. She read it while at work and after camp picked me up to talk about it. Once again, I didn’t want to talk. Since then she hasn’t said anything about it or used my pronouns, which hurts, but I can tell she’s trying. She let me cut my hair and bought me more masculine-looking clothes. I’m thinking about coming out to my Martial Arts group. (Genderqueer/13/Pansexual)
Story #1985
When I came out it was a total accident. I had already come out to my closest friends but my classmates didn’t know. I was sitting in class and the boy in front of me used gay as an insult. I was p*ssed so I said, “Don’t say that” and he turned around and said “What, are you gay?” And I said, “Well, yes, I am!” That shut him up. And that’s how I came out to my entire class. (F/15/Bisexual/pansexual)
Story #1981
When I came out, it was to a group of random strangers my age at a summer camp. I figured, “Well, since I’ll never see any of them again, I might as well say it”. Then, one of the other people there said they were gay, and I was like, that’s cool. Anyway, since then, I’ve been coming out to more and more people. For some strange reason, telling a bunch of random people that I’d never see again made me more comfortable with telling my friends. My parent have yet to find out…. (Genderqueer/13/Pan)
Story #1977
When I came out I was 16 and told my best friend and my parents. Back then I came out as bisexual and everyone accepted it. My parents, though, chose to ignore it and we never talked about it again. Now I’m 19 and I identify as genderqueer and pansexual, but I don’t have any intention in telling my parents again, because I know they would “just” accept it, instead of respecting me. So I stick with telling my friends about it and trying not to talk about my gender identity with my family. This way I make sure to surround myself with people who at least try to understand what I’m feeling. (19/Queer)
Story #1975
When I first came out, it was to my friend group. They are very supportive (all either ally or LGBTQ+), and now me and my closest friends have a funny greeting for each other! Working on telling family. Hopefully around Christmas!!! (Pan)