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Coming out to your family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances can be an exciting yet utterly nerve-wracking moment. You can never be sure how everyone will react. Fortunately, if your loved ones truly care about you, they’ll accept you for who you are. And some might not even be surprised! A loved one’s intuition is a powerful thing.
Openly gay Reddit users have been sharing the very best reactions to them coming out in a thread that might inspire you to fully embrace who you are, as well as have more courage in life, as we continue to celebrate Pride Month. Have a read through some of the most positive and witty stories and remember to upvote the ones that made you smile. And if you want to, feel free to share your own coming-out stories in the comments, dear Pandas.
Bored Panda reached out to talk about Pride and some of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community still faces to this very day with ‘Stonewall’ a UK-based organization that fights for a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves and can live their lives to the fullest. You’ll find our interview with them below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I came from a politically conservative, Christian, “religious right” type of household. At 26, I took my mother out to dinner and finally worked up the courage to tell her as she ate her salad.
“Mom, I’m gay.”
“I know.”
“You know?”
“Look, that’s between you and God, or whatever you believe in. We’re probably going to disagree on some of those things but that’s not my job. My job as your mother is to love you. And that’s that.” She kept eating her salad.
I was blown away. Definitely not the reaction I expected or had steeled myself for.
Two weeks later they invited my boyfriend at the time to a family cookout. I have a photo of him and my dad chatting in front of the grill with beers in their hands. The guy and I broke up some time after that, but the photo still means a lot to me to this day, just for what it represented.
My mom broke the news to my 16yo little sister, whose immediate reaction was to start crying and she said, “I can’t imagine how lonely that’s been for him for so long.”
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
Mad respect I like this. You can have your faith and love your child ❤ it doesn't have to be one or the other as so many times it sadly seems to be :(
Nubis Knight 3 years ago
Friend of mine was afraid to come out to his spanish-catholic family. Most hilarious reaction from one of his cousins was: "No problem, at least you aren't a catholic priest!" And that was that, no acceptance problem at all.
Haunting Spirit 3 years ago
I come from a village from the Dutch Bible belt. I know multiple guys and girls who are gay. None of them have been kicked out of their house or has angry parents. All of them got accepted, respected and loved. Most Christian parents love their children no matter what. This story shows that too. I hate the fact that a lot of religious people are being blamed for not accepting gay kids.
Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago
I so adore the mom! There's an amazing book by Patrick Ness where the hero is a young gay man in a religious family. When he finally comes out, his father says he knows, and that, "Every day, I try to love you." The hero says his father shouldn't have to try; he just should. It's a heartbreaking scene, and I'm so happy to see that the opposite took place in real life!
Jenný Samúelsdóttir Herlufsen 3 years ago
What a beautiful family! That’s true Christianity IMO!!
RELATED:
#2
nervously: I’m gay
mom: girl, you came out of a closet with no door
Even though there has been significant progress made to protect LGBTQ+ people in recent decades (and as recently as the start of this year in the US), there is still much work to be done.
Robbie de Santos, the Director of Communications and External Affairs at ‘Stonewall,’ told Bored Panda that Pride Month allows all of us to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, no matter what part of the world we live in.
“Pride is an opportunity for all of us to come together in celebration, protest, and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi, and trans communities all over the world,” de Santos said.
#5
My sister: Yay, I always wanted a gay brother!
Me: You realize that you always had one, right? I'm not suddenly going to change my personality and enjoy shopping with you.
Her: Awww.
#6
I was sitting at the table, surrounded by my uncle, his pastor, my brothers, and the funeral director, arranging my father's service.
We were collaborating on the obituary. My family is incredibly southern; I did not grow up in contact with my father's side.
Around the table we go: survived by brother James, sister Phyllis, sons Charles and Matthew, daughter Erin... oh, what was your husband's name?
Now, my uncle had made a beautiful effort to get to know me as my father got sick and deteriorated. He asked after my family, my kids, my mom. When he made reference to my marriage, I let him make assumptions about gender just to avoid complications.
Everything crystallized in that moment over the obit.
"What's your husband's name?"
"...Stephanie."
Pastor didn't miss a beat, neither did funeral director. My brothers tell me that my uncle's head shot up in complete shock.
Whatever he worked out for himself between that look and the time I was ready to check for a reaction, I will never know. But when I looked up for myself, he was smiling at me. He looked at me warmly and mouthed, "Not a problem."
I have a wonderful uncle.
“All lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people should be able to thrive as themselves, but in 2021, LGBTQ+ people are still being held back because of who we are,” de Santos from ‘Stonewall’ noted that the fight is far from over despite some progress having been painstakingly made over the years.
“For some LGBTQ+ people, these harms are particularly acute, and we need to stand together against all discrimination that holds our communities back, from racism to ableism, misogyny to classism,” he said, highlighting the importance of Pride Month in all of our lives.
#7
Best story:
Me to grandma: gramma, you should probably hear from me first before blabbermouth aunt says it for me... I’m gay.
Gramma: Yeah, I figured, but I wanted you to tell me rather than ask... just like that interesting “vase” you keep on your patio which I know obviously isn’t a “vase.” (It was a bong and I lied.) Gramma was the best... I miss you gramma.)
#8
Best- told my best friend. Cried. She stayed the night, we had pizza, drinks and watched a film. She slept in my bed, just like she did before. Nothing changed
#9
Told my mom I was bisexual. Her reaction:
"Honey, you told me you were dating a guy months ago."
Completely forgot I did that.
“That’s why this Pride season, it’s important to come together—in our communities, in our schools, workplaces, online and on the streets—to celebrate who we are, celebrate how far we’ve come, and fight for the freedom, equity and potential of every single one of us. At Stonewall, we’ll continue to fight until every lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer person is free to be themselves, wherever they are,” de Santos reiterated ‘Stonewall’s’ unwavering support for the LGBTQ community.
#10
Me to my mother: “Ma, I like this girl in school”
Mother: “You remember Theresa? We’re dating”
Me: 👁👄👁
#11
Best reaction was seeing my brother the day after I came out on Facebook. I asked him, carefully, if he'd seen the post.
"I did!" He said cheerfully. "That's okay, I like girls, too! Especially this one!" And kissed his wife.
#12
My sister was the best, just because I was so worried on how she would respond. When I told her, her response was, "Cool. Do you know when mom is going to get more snacks?"
#13
Late to the party, but the best was a friend of mine who I drunkenly told because in my head, it was a good idea to tell him simply because we played football together and got changed together. Honestly, I think I was just looking for acceptance from someone because I was nervous what the other guys might think in the locker room if they knew I was bi. I told him, then floundered a bit about not being attracted to him and whatever, at which point, he put his hand on my shoulder, looked me dead in the eye and said: "Tijo, don't worry mate, I'll still happily whip my cock out in front of you, doesn't bother me." We talked for a while after, but he was the most supportive person ever.
#14
My mom was shocked and the first thing she said as she started bawling was “Oh no! And your father and I made you play rough sports!”
#15
Me: sudden epiphany while drunkenly chattering with my bff Oh holy s**t. I think I might be gay
Bff: Well no shit sherlock. About damn time you figured it out. You owe me 50$. I bet on you figuring it out 8 years ago.
(Found out my friends had started a pool a decade earlier)
#16
I nervously sent my sister a meme about being bisexual. Her response was "same". Funniest waste of adrenaline ever, ngl.
#17
Best was my mother who replied with and I quote "I know. I knew since you were little. I just waited until you came to me after confirming it for yourself." She then proceeded to threaten my religious extended family that if they said a word to me about my sexuality that there would be hell. She is very protective and none of them say a word to this day.
#18
My sister, she just laughed and went “cool! Why don’t you dress better?”
#19
I don't remember a specific coming out moment with my family, but I remember talking to my brother and dad about liking girls when I was a teenager. And my brother asking if I remembered being like 9 years old and telling everyone I wanted to marry my friend Mia. That's when I realized my closet door had pretty much been wide open all along.
#20
I hadn't told a few friends about my boyfriend and when i did... "dude i know you've been drooling over him for months" man that was hilarious
#21
Upon telling my (pretty laddish, older bachelor) best mate I’m bi: “Truth be told I’m a little gay for you too.”
Bless him.
#22
When I first started coming out to my friends, it was too difficult to say "I'm gay". First time, I said that "I'm like Edwin", who was another gay guy. Second time, I said "I'm not straight". I then joked about how it was starting to get easier to tell people, and that "not straight" was progress, to which my friend joked that next time I'll tell someone I'm "not not gay".
Well, fast forward a year with a new roommate, and the topic came up. Took the opportunity and I told him "Matt, I'm not not gay". He shrugged, looked sorta confused, then said, "soooo, you're bi?"
I just started telling people I was gay after that.
#23
My dad didn't say much, but his neutral acceptance coincidentally broke down a lot of walls we had when I was growing up. We got to know one another a lot more once I felt free of my secret. Love him times a million.
#24
Best reaction: My guy friend responding with "same", when I told him I felt attracted to girls. Then he asked me where I wanted to eat lunch. It was amazingly casual.
#25
My sisters and I were in my apartments swimming pool and I came out as Bisexual to them (Now identify as Pansexual). They said (and I quote) "Cool, we should have pizza now". I love that they cared but it wasn't a huge deal.
Okasan Willis 3 years ago
My daughter said she was pan and I asked Revere ware or cast iron. We both go years laughing so hard
#26
The best I've ever gotten was a round of applause from every single member of my family after 2 years of telling me I'm gay and me denying it....thanks family, now I realize myself
Mindy Eveleth Janiske 3 years ago
that's a new one, that someone tells someone else their sexuality and they don't believe it. LOL Glad it worked out
#27
My girlfriend told me she was bisexual, and my immediate response was, and I quote: “B***h, who do you think you’re talking to? Someone who gives a s**t?”
Her horror and relief, and the resulting laugh at this, absolutely made my day.
#28
"Well that's 2 out of 4, and we all know your sister is going to turn out gay so there's only one hope of straightness in this house" Not exact phrasing but you get the point.
#29
When I came out to one of my close friends she just said “really? Same”
Jiska Veldhuizen 3 years ago
Came out as gay to my mom through a letter. She started crying and I am like 'are you sad?'' 'Mom: Yes I am because I wish you told me sooner. I will always love you no matter what'' And my 80 year old grandfather when I told him ''Honey I am extremely openminded, in the 60s your moms babysitters were gay too and I loved them. You can date whoever you want, girls guys or a goat for my sake haha.
#30
Bi dude here.
Came out to a bunch of friends on a bus trip. They were all totally cool with it, gave me a couple fist bumps and honestly didn't care which was pretty much just what I wanted
What do you think ?
GirlFriday 3 years ago
When my brother came out to my family at a family dinner, my mother turned to him and said, "This does not get you out of the dishes. It is still your turn to clear the table and wash up." Then my father reminded everyone of the "family rule" about no serious relationships until the family has met the person and demanded that my brother produce the boyfriend on Sunday for dinner. The next Sunday, the boyfriend showed up and hung out with us. He was a nice guy. The relationship didn't last, but now the brother is married to a wonderful man who I consider my brother and my parents consider their 13th son. They have two beautiful little demons that I love dearly and I couldn't be happier for them. I have always respected my parents for this. They were kicked out of their church for not disowning their son when he came out as gay. They chose their son over their church and never looked back.
Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago
Good for your parents! If your church doesn't accept your children, find another church, or do without. It breaks my heart that so many parents make the opposite decision.
Load More Replies...
Nicole Blomkamp 3 years ago
I'm straight but man I long for the time that petty people don't judge people for who they are and what they identify with.
A Parker 3 years ago
All three of my kids came out to me at about the same age range (12 to 14), and all three have been met with a version of "Cool, cool... now go finish your homework." I got their backs, always and forever ;)
Maryse Faucher 3 years ago
My oldest came out as asexual / aromatic also at that age, youngest too ( she 15 so it might or not change). The deal was I will do my best to keep the family out of the love questions. I raised both of them with the love is love stuff, you fall in love with a human not what's in the pants
Load More Replies...
Rakjell Hanwell 3 years ago
When I came out as trans to one of my friends, I apparently was a bit too ominous at first. When I finally had said my piece she just replied: "Thank god! I thought you had cancer or something! Don't scare me by announcing 'big changes'!" When I later told her, that I was dating my boyfriend, she jokingly said:"No fair! You already have a nice guy when you look into the mirror!"
Bow, I’m a Slytherclaw 3 years ago
I wish my coming out could’ve been like this lol. Happy pride month 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Thirty years or so ago, a casual acquaintance in college sat me down very seriously and said, "I wanted you to know... I'm gay." And I said, "yeah, and?" .... Turned out he went abroad, figured himself out, came back, and didn't realize he was the last to know.
Axolotl King 3 years ago
He was asking what I was doing on my phone and joked that I was texting my boyfriends, and I said I was on Bored Panda and explained what the app was and gave him a few examples of articles, including this one, and he said "You're not planning on coming out right?" And I said no, and he said "You're not gay, right?" And I was just kinda quiet and then started laughing. Then he said "That's the laugh that says 'I have boyfriends'" and I said "That's the laugh that says everyone keeps joking about me having boyfriends when I want a girlfriend"
Load More Replies...
Tiny Dynamine 3 years ago
The day when one's sexuality is an issue to no-one can't come soon enough.
Mihai Mara 3 years ago
Beautiful stories. It just shows you how you imagine the worst scenario when telling others a secret / private information about yourself and the actual cool and simple reaction they actually have. I'm happy for the persons who wrote these stories, I know many others haven't got the same support from their families.
pusheen buttercup 3 years ago
My parents spent years telling me if I were gay it'd be fine :) but once I told them, shouting ensued. I am happy for all these good stories though, I wouldn't wish how mine went on anyone.
Load More Replies...
Michelle M 3 years ago
I feel like people are becoming more accepting and open-minded about sexuality.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago
Not soon enough but it sure is a step in right direction.
Load More Replies...
InfectedVoice 3 years ago
My cousin came out when he was 18, he told me and I think my response was "no s**t, I've known since you were about 4 mate, doesn't change a thing, I still hate you" and we went and got absolutely s**t-faced in the pub.
A Something 1 year ago
My bro just text me ‘sib owes you £50 on the bet’ I asked which bet he meant and he said him being gay. Said yep, known years bro just remember long as it isn’t, animals, children, people against their will or the dead, it’s all cool with me
Load More Replies... labaguette🥖️🥖️ 3 years ago
To everybody that is LGTBQIA+: I think you are amazing! And valid! And you don’t know me but I reckon you are a pretty awesome person and anybody who says otherwise is probably jealous at how strong you are. Have a great queer day!
Viviane 3 years ago
labaguette, have yourself an awesome day, too! And many more! :)
Load More Replies...
Penny Fan 3 years ago
A housemate came out to me years ago in college and then got mad at me because I was too laid back about it :(
Viviane 3 years ago
I'm not sure what they were looking for, beyond acceptance.
Load More Replies...
Stormapotamus 3 years ago
I told my mom I was bi on my 23rd birthday at dinner, and she was like, "obviously, remember Joanna" And then I remembered my first kiss was with a girl, and she caught me. hahaha totally forgot.
Catherine Kane 3 years ago
my poor niece built up her courage to come out to her uncle and I we're ren faire people and have friends with an assortment of orientations and arrangements, so we paused a moment and then calmly said "Ok. we're ok with that and we love you anyway" was a waste of stomach acid on her part
Jackie Porter 3 years ago
I've had a couple of friends come out to me over the years. My reaction is usually 'Ok, thanks for trusting me but nothing will change, you're still my friend. Now where do you want to go for dinner?'
CanadianaKa 3 years ago
My fave was my old roomie coming out to me as post-op transgender (and this was in the mid '90s). My response was "Cool. Please pass the salt." 26 years later, she and her partner STILL tell people that story.... (As, clearly, so do I.) Honestly, I didn't really care - I was hungry and wanted my fries and who gives a hoot in hell what she used to look like? I never knew her that way so it's irrelevant.
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
It would be nice if there weren't closets. There are still prejudiced people, so we're still having this conversation. So I'm not knocking coming-out stories. Besides, if someone was involved with someone, wouldn't anyone want to use the right term and pronoun for their better half?
Load More Replies... 
Evil Little Thing 3 years ago
Pedophilia is not a sexual orientation, and should not be conflated with LGBTQ+
Load More Replies... GirlFriday 3 years ago
When my brother came out to my family at a family dinner, my mother turned to him and said, "This does not get you out of the dishes. It is still your turn to clear the table and wash up." Then my father reminded everyone of the "family rule" about no serious relationships until the family has met the person and demanded that my brother produce the boyfriend on Sunday for dinner. The next Sunday, the boyfriend showed up and hung out with us. He was a nice guy. The relationship didn't last, but now the brother is married to a wonderful man who I consider my brother and my parents consider their 13th son. They have two beautiful little demons that I love dearly and I couldn't be happier for them. I have always respected my parents for this. They were kicked out of their church for not disowning their son when he came out as gay. They chose their son over their church and never looked back.
Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago
Good for your parents! If your church doesn't accept your children, find another church, or do without. It breaks my heart that so many parents make the opposite decision.
Load More Replies... Nicole Blomkamp 3 years ago
I'm straight but man I long for the time that petty people don't judge people for who they are and what they identify with.
A Parker 3 years ago
All three of my kids came out to me at about the same age range (12 to 14), and all three have been met with a version of "Cool, cool... now go finish your homework." I got their backs, always and forever ;)
Maryse Faucher 3 years ago
My oldest came out as asexual / aromatic also at that age, youngest too ( she 15 so it might or not change). The deal was I will do my best to keep the family out of the love questions. I raised both of them with the love is love stuff, you fall in love with a human not what's in the pants
Load More Replies... Rakjell Hanwell 3 years ago
When I came out as trans to one of my friends, I apparently was a bit too ominous at first. When I finally had said my piece she just replied: "Thank god! I thought you had cancer or something! Don't scare me by announcing 'big changes'!" When I later told her, that I was dating my boyfriend, she jokingly said:"No fair! You already have a nice guy when you look into the mirror!"
Bow, I’m a Slytherclaw 3 years ago
I wish my coming out could’ve been like this lol. Happy pride month 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Thirty years or so ago, a casual acquaintance in college sat me down very seriously and said, "I wanted you to know... I'm gay." And I said, "yeah, and?" .... Turned out he went abroad, figured himself out, came back, and didn't realize he was the last to know.
Axolotl King 3 years ago
He was asking what I was doing on my phone and joked that I was texting my boyfriends, and I said I was on Bored Panda and explained what the app was and gave him a few examples of articles, including this one, and he said "You're not planning on coming out right?" And I said no, and he said "You're not gay, right?" And I was just kinda quiet and then started laughing. Then he said "That's the laugh that says 'I have boyfriends'" and I said "That's the laugh that says everyone keeps joking about me having boyfriends when I want a girlfriend"
Load More Replies... Tiny Dynamine 3 years ago
The day when one's sexuality is an issue to no-one can't come soon enough.
Mihai Mara 3 years ago
Beautiful stories. It just shows you how you imagine the worst scenario when telling others a secret / private information about yourself and the actual cool and simple reaction they actually have. I'm happy for the persons who wrote these stories, I know many others haven't got the same support from their families.
pusheen buttercup 3 years ago
My parents spent years telling me if I were gay it'd be fine :) but once I told them, shouting ensued. I am happy for all these good stories though, I wouldn't wish how mine went on anyone.
Load More Replies... Michelle M 3 years ago
I feel like people are becoming more accepting and open-minded about sexuality.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago
Not soon enough but it sure is a step in right direction.
Load More Replies... InfectedVoice 3 years ago
My cousin came out when he was 18, he told me and I think my response was "no s**t, I've known since you were about 4 mate, doesn't change a thing, I still hate you" and we went and got absolutely s**t-faced in the pub.
A Something 1 year ago
My bro just text me ‘sib owes you £50 on the bet’ I asked which bet he meant and he said him being gay. Said yep, known years bro just remember long as it isn’t, animals, children, people against their will or the dead, it’s all cool with me
Load More Replies... labaguette🥖️🥖️ 3 years ago
To everybody that is LGTBQIA+: I think you are amazing! And valid! And you don’t know me but I reckon you are a pretty awesome person and anybody who says otherwise is probably jealous at how strong you are. Have a great queer day!
Viviane 3 years ago
labaguette, have yourself an awesome day, too! And many more! :)
Load More Replies... Penny Fan 3 years ago
A housemate came out to me years ago in college and then got mad at me because I was too laid back about it :(
Viviane 3 years ago
I'm not sure what they were looking for, beyond acceptance.
Load More Replies... Stormapotamus 3 years ago
I told my mom I was bi on my 23rd birthday at dinner, and she was like, "obviously, remember Joanna" And then I remembered my first kiss was with a girl, and she caught me. hahaha totally forgot.
Catherine Kane 3 years ago
my poor niece built up her courage to come out to her uncle and I we're ren faire people and have friends with an assortment of orientations and arrangements, so we paused a moment and then calmly said "Ok. we're ok with that and we love you anyway" was a waste of stomach acid on her part
Jackie Porter 3 years ago
I've had a couple of friends come out to me over the years. My reaction is usually 'Ok, thanks for trusting me but nothing will change, you're still my friend. Now where do you want to go for dinner?'
CanadianaKa 3 years ago
My fave was my old roomie coming out to me as post-op transgender (and this was in the mid '90s). My response was "Cool. Please pass the salt." 26 years later, she and her partner STILL tell people that story.... (As, clearly, so do I.) Honestly, I didn't really care - I was hungry and wanted my fries and who gives a hoot in hell what she used to look like? I never knew her that way so it's irrelevant.
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
It would be nice if there weren't closets. There are still prejudiced people, so we're still having this conversation. So I'm not knocking coming-out stories. Besides, if someone was involved with someone, wouldn't anyone want to use the right term and pronoun for their better half?
Load More Replies... Evil Little Thing 3 years ago
Pedophilia is not a sexual orientation, and should not be conflated with LGBTQ+
Load More Replies... You May Like Pride Month Quotes And Messages To Show All Your Pride And Colors “What The Hell Is Going On”: Parents Finally Meet Grandkids, Chaos Unfolds As Son Returns Early
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