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 #2639
When I came out, I told my friend in a text message ‘I am queer 🏳️🌈’. I knew she was an ally, but it was still terrifying and she was one of the first people I had told. She was so supportive, and now I feel that our friendship has become even stronger and better. I still haven’t told my parents as I think they would just say that I am confused, but to know I have a supportive friend makes life so much easier. ❤️❤️❤️ (F/13/Queer)
Story #2489
When I came out as bisexual, I was 13. In elementary school, when my friends and I played pretend, I’d always play a guy and I’d always try to flirt with my female friends. In middle school, I discovered I had a fiendish attraction to Rosario Dawson, and I once typed “am I gay?” into Google before closing the tab out of shame. I knew I had crushes on boys, but I didn’t accept my attraction to women until I was 13. I remember sitting in my room alone, texting my friend, “I think I might be bisexual.” It took a while to type because my fingers were shaking so much. And she said something like, “That’s wonderful!” Immediate acceptance and love. My mother’s reaction was not so affirming. At least the first time I came out set a good standard. (Non-binary/21/Queer)
Story #2373
When I came out as transgender the only one who I felt believed me was my brother. Everyone else said they did but acted like I was still a girl and just a tomboy. One of my bff said I will always be a girl but she just doesn’t understand. My ex best friend yelled at me that I was sinning. To this day she still makes fun of me. It really is hard. (Demiboy/Queer)
Story #2364
When I came out to my mom, I was in the car with her. I wanted to make sure I could summon my courage and tell her, so I told myself I would not get out of the car until I told her. We pulled up to our destination and she started to get out, but I asked her to hang on for a second. I told her I was bi and she looked worried and asked if that meant that I could not marry my boyfriend. I told her that even though I was bi, I was still allowed to marry my boyfriend if I wanted to. (Bigender/32/Queer/bi)
Story #2360
When I came out as nonbinary, my parents were pretty confused. They misgendered me and didn’t let me have gender affirming treatment for a while. They didn’t mean make me feel unsupported, they were just very confused. MY therapist who was also non-binary helped me immensely and talked to my parents. Then they were more accepting and brought me to a trans health clinic. It is still a learning curve for my parents, but a message to all fellow enbys; sometimes it takes some time for people to come around. 🙂 (Non-binary/genderqueer/14/Queer)
Story #2297
When I came out as trans my mom thought I was just a tomboy. She said stuff like “You can be a girl and not like to wear dresses.” She told me that I “might grow out of it.” Eventually she just snapped and said, “You’re a girl. I know because I gave birth to you!” I cried for a while. I told her that I’m not a living amalgamation of what she wants me to be and that I hate being called a girl. I think she finally got the message. (Demiboy [I think]/Queer)
Story #2270
When I came out the other night it was for $15. Lol. I was playing video games with my brother and two of our friends and realized that GTA was on sale, but I didn’t have enough money. I had mentioned a big secret a week ago and one of my friends REALLY wanted to know and offered me $15 if I told them, so I did. Was definitely worth it. They all reacted well! (F/15/Queer)
Story #2243
When I came out I could barely hear the words over the sound of my heart pounding. I have always loved my queerness but after the words left my lips I hoped the world would end before anyone responded. I was so nauseous I was worried I was going to puke. My parents said they had no idea but of course they were happy to know and loved me. My friends said “Ohhhhh, that makes sense.” I’ve never received a truly homophobic response to coming out, but I can still feel all the oxygen leave the room when I think of the first time. But I survived. I made it. (F/23/Queer/bisexual)