I came out when I was 16, so I guess I was in the closet for 16 years
But my coming out experience was a good one. The majority of my friends are straight, but very liberal people, so they didn't really care. They know that I am in no way, shape or form attracted to them sexually and our friendship remains the same to this day, as it was before I had told them.
As for my parents. The way I came out to them was kind of awkward.. but there was something on the news about the government trying to stop gay couples adopting children. I had made some passing comment, to which my dad replied that "a gay child is the result a gay parent" or something of that nature. My reply to him was simply "Okay, well is it you or mum who is gay?".
They were shocked at my delivery (because I was mad dad would say what he did) but mum took it fine, as I suspect she already knew. In many ways, it brought us closer. Dad took a while to come around, but only after I had told him he either accepts me, or never talks to me again, he decided to accept me.
So yeah, all in all, it wasn't too bad and I don't regret a thing. Honestly, you feel so much better once you come out. Even though nothing about me or the way I act has changed, the weight off my shoulders has been enormous.
I'm not planning on "coming out" in the traditional way. My parents as of now are oblivious so I think I'm going to start dropping subtle hints and then one day I'm just going to come home with a boy and introduce him as my boyfriend. I don't feel like I should have to explain my sexuality or "confess" it to anybody. I'll wait until I'm in college, probably.
