Openly Gay People Share The Best Reactions They Got When They Came Out

Openly Gay People Share The Best Reactions They Got When They Came Out
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

For those who must encounter it, the "coming out" conversation has got to be so anxiety-provoking.

Whether someone is telling their parents, siblings, extended family, or close friends they're gay, it must feel so scary to share such a massive, yet often unaccepted, piece of their identity.

So it also must be wildly refreshing when the other person responds with humor and levity. All of a sudden, total acceptance and an inclusive tone are conveyed.

Redditor RedditorYT asked:

"Gay people of Reddit, what was the best reaction you received to coming out?"

Many people talked about the times they discovered their sexual orientation was already old news by the time they mustered up the courage to come out.

For these folks, it was comforting to know they'd already apparently been accepted for months or even years.

The *Second* Talk

"Told my mom I was bisexual. Her reaction: 'Honey, you told me you were dating a guy months ago.' "

"Completely forgot I did that."

-- YourLemonMaker

Well-Broadcast

"nervously: I'm gay"

"mom: girl, you came out of a closet with no door"

-- flapeybird

Shrewd G-Ma

"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.)"

-- PM_YOUR_LOWHANGERS

Making Plans Early

"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 realised my closet door had pretty much been wide open all along."

-- rmp2020

Others were surprised when the person they told took the news with a completely casual and accepting demeanor. These people instantly felt silly for being so worked up.

One Less Thing to Worry About

"Dad was just like 'welp at least you won't get pregnant' lmao" -- SkepticalSpiderboi

"Two of my daughters are gay. It's an absolute bonus knowing that teen pregnancy is one less thing for me to worry about! If they have kids, it will be because they really want and plan for it." -- Someonetobetoday

Affirmation Like No Other

"I nervously sent my sister a meme about being bisexual. Her response was 'same' Funniest waste of adrenaline ever, ngl."

-- ohmanmytacos

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Gearing Up

"My friend laughed because he 'thought I was gonna confess something serious, like I'd murdered somebody, proceeding to essentially say that he doesn't care/it doesn't matter if I'm gay lol. This was the reaction of all my friends, basically. I'm lucky to have such good friends"

-- thurbor

New Beginnings

"Best: 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."

-- QuietPeanuts

In Good Company

"Best was when I told a group of friends in school and two others turned around and said 'oh me too!' then we went back to planning our weekend outing"

-- PsychoticGoldfish

Best Friends

"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 ❤️"

-- moonchild_86

And some were comforted when the person they told was all set up with a killer one-liner. The humor shifted the mood from anxious to warm in an instant.

Big Changes

"Not gay, but trans here. Well, gay too, but it was when I was coming out as trans."

"I came out to my little bro towards the end of the year. His response was: 'Are you sure you're not taking the whole "new year, new me" thing a bit far?' "

-- ZeroGravitas_Ally

Shared Experiences

"My dad's 'I also like women' has to be my favourite." -- FreyaAthena

"Your dad is offically your wingman lol" -- MachuPichu10

"Mad respect for your dad honestly" -- UwU_was_ist_das

A Sliver of Hope

"I've come out twice, which complicates things, and not in a 'normal' way"

I originally came out as gay and then again as bi, so yeah a bit strange. But my mum takes the cake with the classic 'Maybe I'll get some grandkids yet' "

-- dawson270500

Burst Bubble

"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."

During Pride Month, when we celebrate the identities of so many who've had to fight to be accepted, it's nice to hear some stories from those who were accepted--at least by one person--right away.

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