Via NPR \\ NPR readers share their coming out stories for LGBTQ+ History Month

 

by Brittney Melton

October 12, 2025 Good morning. This week, gold hit $4,000 per ounce for the first time ever, Planet Money’s book became available for preorder, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted Robert Roberson, whose case drew national attention over disputed medical evidence, a stay of execution. Being true to you National Coming Out Day was recognized yesterday. But coming out is not something that can be encompassed in a day. It is a process a person continuously does throughout their life. When thinking of this day, which is all about celebrating the lives of the many LGBTQ+ individuals who have decided to take that step and let someone into this intimate, vulnerable portion of their lives, I reflected on all the times someone has come out to me.  Left to right: Mel Barkalow, Winnie Aghenu, Anu Gupta and Ash Schade. I have had family and friends come to me and trust me enough to tell their story. Their openness is something I don’t take for granted. I remember hearing the hesitation they sometimes had in their voices, and how sometimes they could not directly look me in the eyes when they shared the news. But I also remember people who stood tall as they told me, as if we were just trading conversations about how our day went. Regardless of how my loved ones decided to inform come out, it is a significant feat to face possible rejection head-on. They likely realized that their decision this could change my relationship with them for the rest of our lives.  To me, that is bravery. And to honor that bravery, the Up First newsletter team asked NPR readers and listeners to share their coming out stories. More than 170 people responded, telling beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking stories of how they came out. They also shared advice, in hopes of helping the next person who is ready to tell their full story.  Anu Gupta talked about how, there wasn’t a word in his native Hindi language that expressed how he felt as a queer man growing up in America. Through meditation, he started to find love and acceptance, leading to him coming out to his family.  Winnie Aghenu decided to use April Fools’ Day as the perfect opportunity to share with her younger brother that she is a lesbian. If it didn’t go well, well …  she would have an out. Luckily, she didn’t need one. These are just two of the stories we featured, showcasing how impactful coming out can be. One of the most common themes in the responses was to make sure you come out when it is right for you. It was beautiful to read about people who came out as a teen as well as people who did it later in life.  Only you know when you are ready, and only you can live your life.  Read more of the wide range of voices that decided to share their stories here.