Hi guys,
I'm 17 years old and i don't know if i should come out as a lesbian because i'm scared about what people will think.

Heya.

15 and bi, so I feel ya. I probably don't have it as bad as you do, but I feel ya.

Look, it comes down to this. If telling your family puts you in danger (ex. possible abuse in the future, them kicking you out or cutting you off) then as much as it sucks, the answer is no. Trying to come out to people who will then do nothing but abuse you and that information is a no-go on so many levels it's not even funny. Let's say that it's not like that, though.

What if you have a nice family?
Probably yes. There are a thousand caveats in this, depending on your situation, but the thing is it's the label that's going to hit them hardest. Even if you say "I've been a lesbian all my life", they didn't see you as a lesbian for those seventeen years and aren't going to take it easy. The longer you stick with that label and give them time to adjust to seeing you in that light, the easier it will be with time. Unless your family is very gay-friendly, it'll likely take some time. Expect it, but don't blame them. They're likely doing the best they can.

Good luck,
RainSinger

Just thought of this, so Pt. 2

Empathizing with them, imagine that you've worn color contacts all your life. They've never seen you without them. Then you take them out and say "This is the real color of my eyes" they're going to have a hard time believing you. But the longer you go without the contacts the more accepting they're going to become towards reality.

Sexuality is like eye color, only now there's no magical eye doctor to go up to your parents and say "Yes, she really is a lesbian. Calm yourselves." Sexuality is, unfortunately, not like eye color in that regard. There's no greater authority that can be trusted to back up what you say as true. There's only you, and that's going to make it harder than you'd probably like.

*Knocks on wood & wishes for the best*

From one gay to another, I wish you luck.

To RainSinger I thank you for what you tell me i will tell my parents and i hope for all the best.

Best of luck to you confused. I'm straight but many of friends are of different sexualities (gay, bi, Pan, etc.) and I know they were scared to tell their parents too. Just be confident with yourself and don't let them convince you what you have is a disease. Parents are meant to be your main supporters and even though mine aren't I know that most parents are.

just keep it secret and no one will think bad to you

just keep it secret and no one will think bad to you

Generally depending on how your parents would react the answer changes.

If they wouldn't accept you or would kick you out/abuse you wait until you can afford to rent an apartment and are old enough to move out

If they will just get all pissy about it and badger you, then its just a matter of how much of that you can handle

as for telling your friends, just fuck them if they can't handle it, worst case you get new ones because your old friends are bigoted cunts (but seriously don't tell the ones you don't trust before you tell your parents, word spreads easily)

I do feel that i need to mention that I am bi and came from a liberal family who wouldn't have cared if i told them anyway, but i have heard stories from gay friends. so if you think my opinion is inaccurate you could be right.

I'm just like you and I don't know what to do either.

Actually I don't see the problem. It could be my thinking of individuality but being homosexual is nothing to be ashamed of.
I know someone who's gay and his sexuality doesn't bother anyone but I also heard stories of homosexuals being treated badly (although I asume these are just rumors).
That's why my resume is that it doesn't matter which way you choose as long as it's one you're comfortable with.
Every road has it's stones.

Ps.: Sometimes it depends on social level and/or education.

Not knowing the personalities of the people in your family makes it a bit hard to answer (although I won't ask, for privacy's sake), but I'll try my best.

First, a bit of quick info:
Apparently scientists have really been looking into it, and it's true that you're born with whatever sexuality you are. I haven't looked into the details, but I'll take their word for it.
So, if you were feeling ashamed in any way, I can assure you this is who you're meant to be.

As I said, it's hard to help not knowing you're family, so I'll try to cover everything.
If they oppose homosexuality, you could try to convince them otherwise ahead of time. Nothing obvious, just bring it up in a conversation. If you ever see a chance to even get near that topic -- doesn't matter if it's specific -- go for it, and see where it takes you. If you tell them at some point and they get pissed, I would just try to remind them that you're they're family and it's a bit weird to suddenly stop loving your family just because of the people they're attracted to.
So maybe they're not against it, but they think it's a little odd. Well, at least they're not gonna go to drastic measures over it. If this is the case for you, it's likely they'll get used to it as time passes.
If they're fine with homosexuality, then obviously you're fine.
If you don't know what they're views are, as I said earlier, try to somehow bring it up at some point. Or anything else you think of.

I think I covered most things there... (sorry if I missed something.)

If you're looking for ways to tell them, I have suggestions:
Get a girlfriend first (if you don't already have one). Come home that day (or the day after, just don't leave it too long) and tell them how awesome she is, etc.
Tell each person one at a time, so it isn't as overwhelming.
Again, casually bringing stuff up in conversations usually works.
Or, just any way you want to tell them.

I hope this helpful in some way, and again sorry if I missed something.

I came out as a pansexual to my mother only a couple of months ago and that was something scary because I had been both in love with a male and a female. I don't know if she thinks I really am indifferent if I swing the other way. Like I believe she thinks Im just straight but I know I'm not. Either way, she accepted my claims, but that doesn't mean that yours will. Just be careful.