Other

Response 10

| Olivia

Demographics

First Name: Anonymous

Age: 20

Gender/Pronouns: –

Sexuality: Asexual

Region/Area: Cincinnati

Race/Ethnicity: White

Story

Actually coming out for the first time went really well. I told my two best friends at the time over text, and they were both lovely and supportive, asking me how long I knew, telling me it was awesome, etc. Problems only came later when one of those friends would like low-key invalidate me when I came out to other people around her. I remember once I mentioned being ace to one of her friends, who straight up just replied “I don’t believe you” and instead of backing me up, my friend laughed and said “don’t worry, I think she’s just a lesbian in denial about it” so that was. really fun. Nowadays I have better friends and many of them are ace themselves so coming out has been very chill.

Response 9

| Olivia

Demographics

First Name: Mia

Age: 18

Gender/Pronouns: She/They

Sexuality: Gay/Lesbian

Region/Area: Kettering, OH

Race/Ethnicity: Chinese American

Story

I grew up in a Catholic household. When I first came out it was to my mother. She didn’t react super badly but she also didn’t react very well. She would talk to me like I was “deciding” this and used to tell me she’d pray for me. (At that time I knew she meant pray for it to go away). For awhile, my mother never brought up relationships or sexuality with me. However, this year was the first time my mom finally accepted what I had told her and openly told me she loved me and would love whoever I loved. It was a really nice change of pace. However, that doesn’t erase the years of emotional stress she put on me. Growing up religious has made me very quiet about who I come out to. I’ve told a couple other people including my siblings and friends. They are all super accepting and supportive. (A lot of my friends identify as lgbt+ in some type of form so it’s not a surprise they were supportive). But yeah. That’s my overall experience with coming out.