When I came out I was 11/12, and my friends were pretty supportive. I came out as bi and ace, but pretty recently I realized that I am pan and demi. So now I have to re-come out, and it might be weird. Idk. I have yet to tell my parents. Only my sister knows what I truly am, and she is bi. At least one family member knows how I feel. Now it’s time to tell all the others. Wish me luck! (F/12/Pan)
Story #2085
When I came out in terms of sexuality, it was right after my sister, who’s pan, had come out to me. I told her that I didn’t think I was straight either and I had a crush on a girl, but I never officially told my parents my sexuality. I told my mom I was non-binary as I was going to bed one night, and she was pretty accepting and told my dad for me. I told my sister myself, and she was amazing and supportive. But my parents didn’t really use my preferred name or pronouns at all until a month or so later, when they found out I was struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Then they suddenly became a lot better about it. (Non-Binary/13/Bi/pan)
Story #2083
When I came out I thought I was bisexual. I came out to my (gay) best friend first, and when I told her, she put this super innocent look on, and said, “Anyone in particular?” I came out to almost all my friends as bisexual at a party, and they were all super accepting. I also came out to my mom as bi, and she told me that she was bi as well. But then I realized I was pansexual, and re-came out to my best friend, who was still accepting. I have to come out as pansexual to my friend group, though. (F/Pansexual)
Story #2069
When I came out to my mum about a month and a half ago, she was a bit non-accepting at first and said, “As far as I know, you’re a girl.” That made me sad and disappointed. Later on she came into my room and asked me what was wrong, and I just told her that I thought she doesn’t accept me, but she said she does, which made me really happy. I was too scared to tell my dad and I didn’t want to tell him, but my mum said that he deserved it; she told him that night and he accepted me. Both of my parents knew what non-binary was because I have a non-binary friend and had to explain what it means. All of my friends know and they all support me, and I’m glad I have such great friends and such amazing parents. (Non-binary/15/Pan)
Story #2061
When I came out to my best friend today, I did it over text. Because of the quarantine I won’t be able to see her for almost a month and I just couldn’t keep it in anymore. I texted her a long paragraph telling her that I’m non-binary. She was very accepting and told me she had I feeling I was. (NB/15/Bi/pan)
Story #2059
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)