How old were you when you came out? And how did your family and friends take it?

Answer 1

17 or 18. So much has happened since. I am now 62.
My parents and brother were kind. Mother just said she was hoping for grandchildren but that Gwenneth (my future partner) was a lovely person, love her and treat her kindly. Gwen's family became hateful and cruel. This lasted until her death and after.
I have since forgiven them and hope the memory of my beloved makes me a better, stronger person.
Kind regards, Rose P.

Answer 2

I came out late in life. Had been married to a man for about 9 yrs. I had always considered myself bi, as I really loved the man I married. I look at it as he was that one guy... anyways

I came out when I was 30, I had two small children both in primary school. My children have been very accepting and sensitive. Always.

My parents were totally understanding, worried for the kids with the major disruption of a divorce etc, but still supportive.

I have three siblings, all older than me. One knew before anyone told him. And has been there for me, the other too looked a little shell shocked for awhile.

Anyways my whole family came to our lesbian wedding and it was fabulous there were about 150 very supportive people in the church.

And my brother, the one who knew? Well he even walked me down the aisle.

Answer 3

I came out when I was 17... i've known since i was 12, and i had no doubt that people would be okay with it but i was afraid that people would look at me differently. I finally did it because I couldn't take being in the closet anymore, but once I did, my friends were just like "ok, whatever"... like they were totally fine with it and now i wish i'd done it sooner! I still haven't told my parents... I don't really feel comfortable talking to them about touchy subjects, but my time will come when i feel comfortable enough to talk to them.

Answer 4

Im bi, but I never fully came out of the closet, the only people who know are my friends, my hubby, and my 2 brothers lol... I come from a very close minded family,anyway why am I volunteering all this info ? you honestly could probably care less *smiles*
<3 Mistress Darkheart

Answer 5

I was 18 when I came out to myself. but, I was young and insecure and living at home, so I was afraid of coming out back then. most of my friends had started figuring me out, but I didn't really "come out" until I was in my mid 30s to friends. they were very supportive. I was, however, in a relationship with someone who was very closeted and knew I wasn't yet out to my family. and she "forbid" it, because she didn't want anyone knowing she was. long story short, that relationship finally ended, and I am with someone who is open and honest and loving, and I finally came out to my family 2 1/2 years ago, and they took it just fine. my mom was actually more upset that I didn't come out sooner.
they have been very supportive, except for the fact that they don't think gays should be able to get married. but, one step at a time!

Answer 6

I was 19 (I'm 33 now too) when I came out -- told my parents some time in my 20s.

My mother all but called me a child molestor (devout Mormon) and my father didn't care b/c he doesn't care about me anyway.

Now my mother pretends she never said that (I'll never forget) and we still have a very strained relationship.

She pretended my last relationship didn't exist (I was in it for nearly 12 years) and forget about this relationship.

Oh... I hope that doesn't scare ya! :)

I know a lot of people who's parents are very open and happy for their kids too... I just know a lot who don't as well.

Answer 7

I came out at age 32 (I'm 45 now). Friends and family were totally fine with it.

Answer 8

I was in my late twenties when I came out, my family was great! Very supportive, I am one of the lucky ones.

I used to work for a GLBT community center as a councelor for teens. You'd be shocked at how many are disowned and thrown out by families who are not supportive.

Answer 9

I was about 17 or 18.. and i really had no choice in the matter.. my parents sat me down and made me tell them because of a note they had found from my gf...they were more upset that i had lied to them about it for so long and lied about my girlfriend that i had at the time.. My stepmom never really accepted it but I suppose she loves me anyway..we never had a great relationship anyway.. My dad has always been pretty accepting but i think he's still disappointed..

All in all i think they were really hurt that I had lied to them about everything..

Answer 10

Never had to come out or tell anyone. My folks accused me since I was pre-puberty small child that I was a queer. I denied it but they didn't swallow my lie.

Parents aren't stupid. Mine said they knew for sure that I never went with girlfriends, so I must be a f.a.g. And I went to all-boys school where anyone who was not a Neanderthal Jock was called a f.a.g. - by default.

So I never had to tell anyone. the whole world accused me and marked me fro mtheir own volition. and I never , ever, played with dolls, or did any girlie stuff - or spoke effeminately or carried on that way. but it wasn't enough.

I was tried and convicted all my life. and my family raised hell and scorned me with CONTEMPT as their f.a.g. son - a disgrace.

In high school - I was a lonely man - Nobody wanted to be friends with anyone considered a queer - not being a rough JOCK, that is.

SO it was a rough ride, for me.