Coming Out

Resources and advice on coming out gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, trans, non-binary and/or nothing at all! Essays and how-tos on coming out to yourself, figuring out your identity and more.

dating

‘Am I Queer or Just Repulsed by Straight Norms?’

There is no such thing as being queer “enough.” There is just being queer.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya

Oct 7, 2025

coming out

Y’All Need Help #8: Cross That Bridge When You Come to It!

Should you come out in high school or let them hear about it out later? Can you date a person with a kid if you don’t want kids? How do…

Laneia

—

Aug 26, 2017

coming out

Mastering the Art of Coming Out (and Making Lobster Bisque)

“I decided to make lobster bisque for my mom at the same moment I decided to come out to her. Only one of those things went according to plan.”

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya

—

Aug 14, 2017

coming out

You Need Help: How to Navigate Disabled Kids Coming Out

“That she talked to you about this at all is a beautiful and important thing that a lot of young people don’t have. So know that just being there for…

Lindsay

—

Jul 5, 2017

coming out

This Is The Real Ellen DeGeneres Story: Remembering “The Puppy Episode” 20 Years Later

“She was an attractive woman, you know. If she hadn’t told us she was a lesbian, she could’ve been in a Miss America contest!”

Riese

—

Apr 28, 2017

coming out

The 11 Best Holidays For Coming Out To Your Family and Friends

Here’s what you do: write “I’m Gay” (or trans or bi or queer or whatever) on a piece of paper and put it inside an Easter Egg for the Easter…

Mey

—

Nov 11, 2016

first person

Loving the Whole Me: A Bisexual Mom on Coming Out to Her Family

“I sent a short, simple message saying that although I didn’t realize it fully until recently, I was indeed bisexual, that this was an undeniable part of my identity, and…

Candace

—

Oct 11, 2016

community

Team Pick: “Coming Out With Care,” the E-Care Package For Your Parents!

Here’s a resource to help you and your parents navigate your coming out together!!

Ari

—

Oct 11, 2016

first person

Impossible Machinery: On (Not) Coming Out to My Dad as Bisexual

“I feel as if I am filled to the brim, fit to spill, with how much I love her and how much I resent being a secret. It makes me…

Maree

—

Sep 22, 2016

Become a Member

Support queer journalism

What You Get:

EXCLUSIVE AF+ CONTENT

AD-FREE READING EXPERIENCE

PRINT MAGAZINE DELIVERED FREE

LEARN MORE

Become a Member

Support queer journalism

EXCLUSIVE AF+ CONTENT

AD-FREE READING EXPERIENCE

PRINT MAGAZINE DELIVERED FREE

LEARN MORE

Don’t want to see ads? Join AF+

Account

About

Coming Out

‘Am I Queer or Just Repulsed by Straight Norms?’

Y’All Need Help #8: Cross That Bridge When You Come to It!

Mastering the Art of Coming Out (and Making Lobster Bisque)

You Need Help: How to Navigate Disabled Kids Coming Out

This Is The Real Ellen DeGeneres Story: Remembering “The Puppy Episode” 20 Years Later

The 11 Best Holidays For Coming Out To Your Family and Friends

Loving the Whole Me: A Bisexual Mom on Coming Out to Her Family

Team Pick: “Coming Out With Care,” the E-Care Package For Your Parents!

Impossible Machinery: On (Not) Coming Out to My Dad as Bisexual

Become a Member

What You Get:

Become a Member

Ad blockers are
squeezing queer media.

Account Account

Coming Out

Become a Member

What You Get:

Become a Member

Account