When I came out the first time, I told my mom I was bi, because she’d asked if was gay, and I wasn’t ready to tell her, so I panicked. When I got to college, I finally told her I was a lesbian, but she questioned it because she didn’t think I’d ever been with anyone sexually, so how could I possibly know? I’d always been pretty masculine, but it was the mid-90s, and I’d come from a long line of tomboys who’d turned out straight, so she didn’t think I was any different. There was little info about trans-people readily available at the time — even Google was brand new! — and I was almost out of college before I ever met a trans-person, or understood that there were people who felt like me, who’d spent their entire lives trying to figure out why nothing ever felt right. I married a woman when I was 23, but it would be a few more years before I’d hit a wall and realize I needed to transition for my sanity’s sake. My wife and I have been together for over 20 years, my family has been 1000% supportive, and transitioning saved my life. (FtM/44/Pan)
Story #2589
When I came out it was first to my best friend, who always knew I was nonconforming (even before I ever came to know it). She wasn’t surprised and was really accepting and always has, embracing my gender expression regardless of how it is. (Genderfluid/20/Bisexual)
Story #2588
When I came out as bisexual to some of my friends a year ago, everything went great. But when I came out as non-binary to my best friend (that was 6 months ago) she said she wasn’t supportive of these ”ideologies” and stuff. We are still friends but it’s not the same as it was. I am the only queer person from my friend group but I found myself other queer friends and let me tell you it was the best that could happen to me. (Non-binary/19/Bisexual)
Story #2587
When I came out, it was to my grandmother first. We have a close relationship, but we don’t usually talk about very personal or emotional stuff. I think that’s why I chose to come out to her — regardless of her emotions, I knew she would probably say something pretty neutral and give me a pat on the back, which is exactly what I needed. Coming out to her gave me the confidence to just stop trying to hide it. I love her so much. (F/Lesbian)
Story #2586
When I came out, I was scared because my parents were not only devoted Christians, but they were heavy conservatives. Me and my bisexual twin sister came out to my parents shortly after we got home from church and their reaction shocked us. They smiled and gave us a big hug, saying they love us. But they always warn us not to act gay at church or around family. So, I guess you can say I may have won the battle but I lost the war. Haha. (M/13/Pansexual)
Story #2585
When I came out I was 12 and I told my older sister and was extremely nervous. I wasn’t sure how she was going to react but was pretty sure she would be supportive. I texted her a bi coming out meme and told her I’m bi. She was super shocked and came into my room and hugged me, and told me she was proud of me for having the courage to tell her. She agreed to not tell our parents, at least not yet. I texted my friend (who already knew and supports me) and she was also very excited for me. It made me so happy and I hope you all have supportive friends and family too. Good luck to all those who are thinking of coming out! (F/13/Bi/ace?)
Story #2584
When I came out, I was sort of caught. I was on a discord server with my gay friend group before I had to go and use the bathroom. When I finished doing my business, I saw both my mom and my dad on my computer, scrolling and looking at my server before they turned around. They looked at me and sighed. My mom asked me if I was really omnisexual and I told her yes. My dad gagged before heading out. I felt heartbroken, since I loved my dad more than anything. My mom hugged me and told me that she’ll talk to my dad. They’ve been arguing ever since and I feel like it’s my fault. (M/11/Omnisexual)
Story #2583
When I came out, it was fairly hard. I was born a girl and everyone considered me a girl. Compared to the other preppy girls at my school, I look like something that came from a dumpster. However, when I first got my period, everything in me broke. Growing breasts felt like a barrier building up to prevent me from trying to be my true self. My mom found out about me being trans when my homophobic sociology teacher told her on open house. My mom was kind of supportive and my dad is completely neutral on the topic. However, my teacher still disrespects me and once he separated me from doing a group activity. I was sad but I hoped that my fellow queers won’t have to go through this. (FtM/Transmasc/14/Bisexual)
Story #2582
When I came out, I was teased and even abused. My father was a conservative and he worked for our town mayor and he was never fond of the LGBTQ+ community. And ever since my mom passed away, my father only got worse and started drinking. I mustered up the courage to tell that I liked both boys and girls. He shot me this dirty look and called me names before dragging my hair and throwing me into my room. When I came out to my school, which was a Christian school, everyone laughed and made fun of me. But, I will find acceptance and I won’t let people bring me down. (F/16/Bisexual)
Story #2581
When I came out, I was 12 years old. My older brother and I were playing Monopoly and talking about school and stuff until he brought up the dreaded topic: dating. He was telling me about this girl he was dating. I mustered up the courage to tell my brother that I liked girls. He was at first surprised but he hugged me and told me he loved me no matter what. (F/13/Lesbian)