When I came out, I wrote a letter and left it on my parents’ kitchen counter. It said that I was gay and that if they couldn’t accept me for who I was, I could not be a part of their lives. I went for a drive for four hours and when I returned, I called them. They were completely loving and supportive. I was 25.

When I came out, my father doubled over in complete and utter disbelief and shock. My mother started weeping, convinced I had written my ticket to a life of AIDS. My friends said that they would still love me no matter what. Months of agonizing discussion and painful testimony passed. My parents just met my new boyfriend and love him more than me! 🙂

When I came out, my parents were disgusted and told me I ruined their chance at a normal life. They forced me into a verbal corner until I told them it was a phase. They still think it was.

When I came out, I told my sister first (she spotted a hickey…). We’d always been close, but through the tears and hugs, I knew we’d strengthened our bond immeasurably. She helped me through telling my parents and friends. Family can be the absolute best!

When I came out, my brother said, “I’ll always love you whether you’re my brother OR my sister.”

When I came out my parents had asked me if I was gay. I told them, “Yes, I’m attracted to men.” They asked me not to dress provocatively(!?) and not to tell my little brother “because he’s in the middle of exams.” I was kind of confused by the whole conversation so I just said, “Okay, no problem.”

When I came out to my mom, she told me that it’s a phase and that she used to get horny for girls when she was my age…

When I came out, my mom was pissed that it took me so long. I never told my dad or brothers because I was too embarrassed. My mom did. My youngest brother responded with: “Ya, and?” We still don’t talk much about it, but it’s nice to know they care.

When I came out to my gay dad he said, “Are you doing this to try and relate to me?”

When I came out as bi, my lovely mum was great. My lovely dad said: “Young people do such weird things these days, you have to be prepared for anything!” My girlfriend’s mum kicked her out of the house when she caught us together aged 16. But we stayed together with the support of my parents for two years anyway, and her mum got a bit saner over time.