Tyra’s story is one of [mostly] hope and positivity. The support she received from both her family and friends is the kind of reaction many LGBT+ youths hope for but don’t receive, unfortunately.
“I recently came out as bisexual to everyone (family and most friends) about a month and a half ago after finding an amazing girl but everyone has been extremely supportive and it’s awesome having that. I first came out to my uncle, who took me to my first pride fest in Saint Louis. He has been the most supportive out of all my family members. I came out to my best friend over the summer and then in September to my dad, stepmom and all of my other family members and friends. I was terrified but had no reason to be, most of my family is extremely supportive of LGBT+. They weren’t at all surprised. Everyone has supported me except my mother, who for the past month won’t answer my calls or texts but regularly spends time with my sister. It’s hard not having her in my life and hopefully she’ll soon realize how hurtful she’s being, but until then I’m ok with not having her in my life.
It’s not the best coming out story but it’s important to me!!”
I asked Tyra if there was a moment when she suddenly realized that she was bisexual, or if it was more of a gradual realization.
“It was more gradual. Looking back now, I’ve known pretty much my entire life but it just started making sense to me like a year ago.”
I also asked if there was anything she struggled with in particular, and how she overcame it.
“It was really just the nerves of coming out to my family, although I knew they would be supportive! I just came out to my dad and stepmom after I made it official with my girlfriend and then they were super supportive and kinda had an idea. Then I posted it on Facebook and everyone was very supportive of me! It was nice.”
When asked if she had a support system, she answered:
“All my friends and family are super supportive except for my mom who won’t talk to me!”
Her advice to everyone else:
“Only come out if you’re ready and are in a safe environment to do so. Don’t let anyone pressure you into it! Your sexuality and gender is yours, don’t let anyone tell you it’s not.”
