Until I was 24 years old, I was a closeted lesbian until in casual conversation, I came out to my two younger sisters. As I expected, they didnāt have an issue with it and we continued with our conversation as if nothing happened. It was an unspoken agreement that they wouldnāt say anything to our mother until I was ready. My mom had been asking me about my sexuality but evaded her questions and when she realized that she wasnāt getting anything out of me, she asked my sisters. Both of them denied knowing anything until I came out to her myself. When I came out to my mother, she expressed that she while she didnāt agree, she would love me regardless of my sexuality. After that conversation, she decided to ask my sisters again to see what they would say and they still denied knowing anything until she told them Iād already told her and asked for confirmation from me. My coming out made me realize how blessed I am to have them. My sisters and I have always been close but I didnāt realize how close until this experience. They had my back until the end and I am so thankful because it letās me know no matter who tries to do me wrong or walks out of my life, I have them. Prior to my coming out, my mom was ambivalent about LGBTQ issues but she never mistreated or disparaged queer and trans people. Now that Iām out, Iāve seen her growth. Iāve seen her call out family members for not only homophobia but transphobia. Iām proud to be her daughter and to be the elder sister of two ride or dies.
āAshleigh Atwell ashleighnotashley.com














