OUT140

My son was 10. He came downstairs and said mum I think I like boys. I said that’s ok, I love you the same.

Because of my dyslexia, I came out with a book of pictures. My mum and dad didn’t find the book for two weeks. The stress of waiting …arghh!

From an early age I experimented with mum’s bras & heels. She has some real nice heels. I came out at 13. She said I’m your mother. I know!

Coming out Bi felt like dropping lead balloons. Nobody got it when I hinted about fancying women, thought I joking. Bi Invisibility is real.

Came out to mum whilst she was driving. She said maybe not whilst driving, this is important and I want to concentrate.

I said mum I’m gay, she said I know. I came out to my dad, he said I know. I came out to Nan and she said I’ve know since you were 4.

I came out to my mum. She said what did I do wrong?

I came out in Art. The subject was the sexual gaze. I said to my friend I’m way to ace for this. She said you’re ace too?

We were in the car. I said I was bi. She was like “alright”.

She kissed me on the forehead. My heart leapt. I texted her at 3am … I felt something. I think we need to talk.

They said “join this new choir Sing with Pride” I said “I don’t even know any LGBTQ+ people” I do now!

I realised I didn’t have to force myself to like boys anymore.

My mum came up to me on my birthday and asked me if I was gay.

I came out with Kahoot. Gave my family a quiz. One question was what is my sexuality? Multiple choice. They guessed Bi. They were right.

It was scary. I thought there was something wrong with me. I went for a walk with a lovely lesbian & we talked. I felt better. It was normal

I came out as gay then went back to being straight, then thought nay and came out as bi/pan, now happy as asex/pansexual

I never formally came out. Someone else took that from me.

Living in care, I was experimenting. Other residents liked to put make-up on me & dress me up. Felt normal & comforting expressing who I was

Came out as gay to mum and dad. He’s no son of mine he said.

I was mentally and physically abused on a daily basis. I discovered I am beautiful and strong. PROUD!