Coming out is not a one-size-fits-all kind of activity, and often closeted folks have to weigh their need to speak truth against how they perceive their loved ones will react. It’s a lot harder to come out to a Bible-thumping, gun toting dad than it is one who took you to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch when you were twelve. Luckily I got the latter.

And more and more, the tide does seem to be shifting. Kids are coming out at younger ages, and finding more support. Certainly not all the time, but the trend is unstoppable.

We wanted to take a break from the heartbreaking stories and get a sampling of some uplifting coming outs, and Whisper was there to deliver.

Here’s what they found: