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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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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!
RELATED:
#2
nervously: I’m gay mom: girl, you came out of a closet with no door
Jon Steensen 4 years ago (edited)
Her mom knew her daughter well enough to know that she was gay well before the daughter gathered the courage to tell her, or maybe before she knew it herself. "Comming out of the closet" is a commonly used metaphor for telling people that you are gay, and people who have not done it yet is said to be "still hidding in the closet". So what her mother said was basically that she knew all along. It is a kind and gentle way to "mock" her daugter for believing she could hide it from her mother as she could se right through all of it.
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Luna Lovebug 4 years ago
Sometimes there really is no closet to come out of. In some cases it's just obvious from a really young age. My nephew was already on top of his game when he was 3. He was the most outgoing and fun little gay toddler you'd ever met. There was never really an issue for him. Didn't need to come out. Everyone knew. He's 23 now. Still the same fun guy like he was back then.
#3
"Hey Dad... Umm, im Gay" "Hi Gay, Im Dad, and i Support your choices"
Jon Steensen 4 years ago (edited)
Maybe not, but there is a lot of choices regarding how you handle it. Some homosexuals are rather embarest about it and try to hide it for everybody but their most loved ones. Some tries to "cure" themself of this "disease" and maybe get a spouse of the opposite sex just to apear "normal". Neither of the two options will in most cases yeild a good result and often it only leads to a lot of suffering. Some choose to just accept their sexuality and manages to live their lives to the fullest, and just shake of the blows that might result from being open about it. I think that what the dad may have meant is that he support whatever choice his son made regarding how to handle his sexuality.
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Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
He's out-and-proud to be a dad, no shame.
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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.
#4
My dad's "I also like women" has to be my favourite.
#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.
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
She got a gay brother, just not the kind of gay brother she wanted.
#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.)
Katherine Morgan 4 years ago
People forget that you don’t get old without having been around the block a few times.
Appalachian Panda 2 years ago
Depending on OP’s age, grandma was probably a teenager in the 60s or 70s. She wasn’t born in Victorian times.
#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
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Nothing should change. Once, while my friend was house-sitting, I and another friend stayed the night with her. (She was nervous about being alone.) I slept between one bisexual friend and one lesbian friend and woke up unmolested. Duh. As a bonus, it was the dead of winter and I was nice and warm all night.
Jenný Samúelsdóttir Herlufsen 4 years ago
I think this is the best one! The best reaction is kind of “no reaction”, does that make sense?
Teenage Mutant Grammar Ninja 2 years ago
Same with me! My bsf was super chill and we were already sleeping over. We watched “Fruity TikToks” on YouTube and slept in her big ol’ bed - together. It was amazing for her to simply accept me (and expect me to say what I said, lol) and for nothing to change between us. I love her so much and she’s the best friend I could ask for. 💚🏳️🌈🍒
Shelby Jackson 4 years ago
My bestie didn't care either. And she still loves me. Tried to fix me up or get me to talk to girls lol.
gellert gridlewald 3 years ago (edited)
I heard a story about a guy eating pizza with his family, and he said "this pizza is for gay people" and took a big bite out of it. and I came up with story based off of this: this pizza is for gay people!" shouts Amy. there was hugs, crying, and questions all around. "wait! what if tam doesn't like me being lesbian!?" then tam comes home from work, smelling pizza. tam grabs a piece of the pizza and starts walking away. " the pizza is for gay people!" calls Bess. "so? it's still pizza." and walks out of the room. Bess looks over at Amy " I think she is okay with it." Edit: please tell me if someone already came up with this. thanks!
OhForSmegSake 4 years ago
During my teens many of my friends were very open about nudity around me. After I came out as bisexual some of them became "shy" but when my best friend stripped down to get changed in front of me it warmed my heart that she still saw us as sisters
#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?"
lakitha tolbert 4 years ago
She had far more pressing concerns, like the absence of snacks in the house…😄
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VeninTheNonBinaryRogue 4 years ago
Btw, NEVER go food shopping when hungry. I went shopping with my dad and brother yesterday right before lunch, and we ended up buying like 150 dollars of snacks. I needed the Pride Skittles tho
Brittany Preston 4 years ago
That was what I did when my sister told my mom and I that she was pan and dating a girl, "ok. Can I go back downstairs now?"
Chloe *Leah* Pheonix 4 years ago
In other words, awesome! Ok I'm hungry, u know when the next snack rush is?
#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.
Lantana Howell 4 years ago
In a world plagued with toxic masculinity, this was the perfect response!
Ayia Grace 4 years ago
Trying not to start laughing. My mom is sitting close by and will take apart my phone just to see this masterpiece which has made me giggle.
will.u.b.mine 4 years ago
....i got downvoted....ow....i-i didn't mean it..... :(
Load More Replies... #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!”
Vicky Zar 4 years ago
I assume this is supposed to be a good story, so his Mom now regrets to making him do rough sports. Thats kinda nice
Hugh Cookson 4 years ago
I played Rugby with an openly gay guy many years ago - lovely man but on the field you really, really didn't want to piss him off. Hard as nails on the pitch, and the most delightful man off it, regardless of his sexuality.
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denzoren 4 years ago (edited)
This is quite nice that they thought of that. Not that they wouldn't like it but concerned that they may not have wanted too.
Mindy Eveleth Janiske 4 years ago
LOL. Because. My MIL used to not let my step daughter play sports with her brother and cousins because she was afraid it'd make her gay. Well, she was about 10 at that point, and I already KNEW she was gay. She didn't tell me until college, but I always knew. My MIL would have just died. I am glad she wasn't around to give her the reaction I know she would have, but I suspect my step daughter knew she'd be an idiot about it
CincyReds 4 years ago
I will never forget when my nephew came out, my nieces was like you know he is gay right? I looked at her, and I said I probably knew it before he did. There was just always something about him, that I thought he was going to be gay. Love him to death, and he thought my answer was hilarous
#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.
CincyReds 4 years ago
I will never forget when my nephew came out, my nieces was like you know he is gay right? I looked at her, and I said I probably knew it before he did. There was just always something about him, that I thought he was going to be gay. Love him to death, and he thought my answer was hilarous
Carolynr Brown 4 years ago
You go, mom! That was a great answer. Same one I gave to extended family
#18
My sister, she just laughed and went “cool! Why don’t you dress better?”
Jon Steensen 4 years ago
Because there are many "shades of gay". It is spectrum that goes from "ticks all the stereotype boxes" to "I had no chance in hell guessing that". Gay people can have very different personalities, just like anyone else can. That they all care a lot about their apearance is just super prejudiced.
Rocky Mom 4 years ago
That was sort of my mom's reaction about my two bros. Hehe. She didn't understand why they could sometimes be sloppy looking with their clothes and/or be unruly with their facial hair. "Mom, being gay doesn't mean you're cleaner or immediately high-maintenance". We all have things to learn, and she has since learned.
#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.
Mindy Eveleth Janiske 4 years ago
LOL. Not necessarily though. I'm heterosexual and I wanted to marry my BF Candy when I was 8
Georgia OConnell 3 years ago
When I was four, I saw my parents wedding photo and asked why only boys and girls can get married. My mom told me a boy and a boy or a girl and a girl can get married, too. I immediately said that I wanted to marry my best friend Kaleigh when I grew up.
#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.
Mazer 4 years ago
Straightforward is less confusing. But hey your process is your process and I’m glad you’re in a better place
Pumpkin Spice 4 years ago
It's GAYforward. Or BIforward or PANforward or ACEforward or TRANSforward or AROforward. No straight. Only gae
Load More Replies... #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.
Jaime 4 years ago
Coming out to people can be scary. Even when you know the person, it’s still scary thinking it might change the way they think about you.
Load More Replies... #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 4 years ago
My daughter said she was pan and I asked Revere ware or cast iron. We both go years laughing so hard
Okasan Willis 4 years ago
That should be we both got tears from laughing so hard
Load More Replies... #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 4 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.
Damo Lee Park 4 years ago
My son is pretty sure he's gay. My daughter has no idea what she is, but she's sure she's not gonna be hetero. Not sure how my younger son is gonna swing. And their mother is... confused, to say the least. The only for sure straight one in the house is me, and that's only cos Johnny Depp won't visit us
#29
When I came out to one of my close friends she just said “really? Same”
Jiska Veldhuizen 4 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.
Potter Jackson fan 4 years ago
Aww! I'm a girl and I came out as bi to one of my guy friends, and I was sooo nervous, but he totally supported me and we're still good friends! :)
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#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
Meredith Grey 4 years ago
I know aye? Man... I wish I had friends like that. Actually scratch that...... I wish I had friends. :(
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GirlFriday 4 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 4 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.
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Nicole Blomkamp 4 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 4 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 4 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
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Rakjell Hanwell 4 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 4 years ago
I wish my coming out could’ve been like this lol. Happy pride month 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Leo Domitrix 4 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 4 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"
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GirlFriday 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 years ago
I wish my coming out could’ve been like this lol. Happy pride month 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Leo Domitrix 4 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 4 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"
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