For many, coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is still a significant and challenging rite-of-passage.
Of course, identifying yourself publicly as LGBT is just the beginning of a transformative and very personal journey, and navigating what happens after you say those words for the first time can often be just as crucial. From attending your first Pride event to meeting your partner, there are certainly highs in store.
Still, what happens if you're not embraced by your family or your friends? What will you learn along the way?
HuffPost Gay Voices took to social media and asked our readers, "What's the ONE thing you wish someone would have told you about identifying as LGBT before you came out?" The answers we received via Twitter and Facebook reflect just how unique each experience is.
Take a look at some of the best responses, which have been edited and condensed, that we received below.
@huffpostgay my only regret and piece of advice is simply to do it sooner rather than later. Who you are should never be a secret.
— Kevin Kilbride (@Kevin_Kilbride) August 27, 2015
@huffpostgay the only thing you should aim for in life is to be happy. Be proud and live for yourself, not for the approval of others.
— ✨Luci✨ (@pimpdaddysatan) August 27, 2015
@huffpostgay That you are now responsible to make sure your family is upholding correct standards of discussion of #LGBT topics
— Casey Kitchens (@caseykittens) August 27, 2015
@huffpostgay that coming out doesn't define you, but you may find yourself coming out more than you imagined. #queerchat
— K (@justmekirsty) August 27, 2015
.@huffpostgay There's no rush to come out. Just be comfortable with yourself, that's all. There won't be a need to come out :) #QueerChat
— Allan. (@allanfvasquez) August 27, 2015
@huffpostgay some will celebrate your life with you publicly, and others only privately.
— Zoe Davis (@zoemedia) September 4, 2015
"That some people will love you, and some will hate you. Don't waste your time on the latter -- save when you're standing up to them. Your love is beautiful. Never apologize for it." -- Eric, via Facebook
@huffpostgay don't be so quick to define yourself - it's okay to be attracted to people, not gender.
— Mary Sibley (@_ladysibley) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay You don't have to be a stereotype because sexual orientations and expression are not the same thing.
— Chris (@chrismarchie) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay There's more than one way to gay #QueerChat
— Mark S. Luckie (@marksluckie) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay The 'friends' that judge you don't matter. You'll move on and find real and better friends who embrace you for who you are.
— Red (@redcognito) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay being gay means you're never alone. Like a tribe, our community stands together in all aspects. #QueerChat
— Herald91 (@HeraldOmar1) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay To do it sooner! A huge weight is lifted from your body and spirit... AND that your relationships are just as valid #QueerChat
— Michele P. (@If_You_Say_Sooo) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay there's so much but maybe "you'll find your own way".
— YUNG SIMBA (@sirgagalooXO) September 3, 2015
@huffpostgay We are free to be whoever we want to be - no matter which part of the spectrum you're in. No to labels. #QueerChat
— Pinay Lesbian Mums (@PinayLezMums) September 3, 2015
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