Sometimes a change is in order. And when you've just come out of the closet, change is inevitable. So when people come out, they tend to think of ways to reinvent themselves. There are so many people out there who are beginning to accept themselves for who they truly are and they are giving themselves a whole new makeover. If you want to see what these people looked like after they came out with the news, then all you have to do is keep scrolling for their pics!
Green Day Vs. Madonna
"16 vs. 26, Green Day vs. Madonna," says michaela71 of their gay glow up and we couldn't agree more. There's something so satisfying about seeing people turn themselves around from self-conscious to totally confident. And can we just say that that is a beautiful new hairdo? Sometimes we wish we could make our hair as perfectly quaft as people like you, so you're going to have to tell us your secret.
But don't worry, we'll also offer up some of our own tips and tricks. From one LGBTQ+ to another, we think we all have something of use to offer to our fellow community members.
Thriving
Sometimes when you come out of the closet, you realize you have access to recourses that you never thought you had. More than just that, your entire outlook changes and you become totally self-confident. As Ash explained: "Six years out and thriving." You definitely look like you've come a long way from your early years, but don't forget that you were always the same beautiful person you see now.
Even if you think that person should have never existed, the current you wouldn't be around without them. So keep thriving, Ash, and don't let anyone stop you from what you're doing!
#GayGloUp
Sometimes your gay glow up is more than just the perfect opportunity to post your confidence but also a perfect opportunity to get yourself into the shape you've always wanted. "Quite a transformation I’d like to say. #GayGloUp," says ajj. It sure is. You look almost completely unrecognizable! A transformation like this is always so exciting and we couldn't be happier for you. We hope you're loving your new look!
Of course, at this point why wouldn't they enjoy it? Once you've had your gay glow up you've pretty much found a way to continue making yourself out the way you want.
Never Change
When you're life isn't going the way you want it to, sometimes finding out who you really are on the inside can do wonders for your mind and soul. "All my life I’ve felt beat down. I battled brain cancer, hence the baldness, but I am the happiest queer you could imagine. I am in touch with my mind, my body, and my queerness, and I would never change that." —ChipBuzz.
Thank you so much for sharing that story with the world, ChipBuzz. It's so inspiring to hear how the process of coming out can really turn your life around and make you feel better than ever.
A Real Man
Sometimes you run away from who you really are because the stereotypes enforced on us are just too much to look past. "I joined the Air Force when I was 18 to serve my country and to be a police officer. I thought the lifestyle would make me act like a 'man.' Ten years later, I’m out of the closet, loved by my wingmen, and I learned what a real man really is," explains Cody.
If we're going to honest, being a "real man" or a "real woman" is whatever you make it out to be. We set the rules which means we can bend them and shape them all over again.
Proud Pansexual Queen
We all have those moments when we need a change in our lives. And for Alexa, that was going to be more than just a change in the outward appearance. "From an awkward performing arts kid to a proud pansexual queen with the best partner ever," she says. Something that hasn't changed, though, is those awesome and beautiful shades of blue and green. And we hope they never do.
You just have to do what you gotta do and keep believing in yourself. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to be proud of the person you've become.
Striped Tights
"2008 versus 2018. I wore striped tights literally all the time, and somehow my family was still stunned when I came out as bi?!" asks Casey. Well, sometimes the straight cis-gendered people aren't the brightest when it comes to these signs, even if they're staring them right in the eyes. What's important, though, is that they know now and you shouldn't ever go back to hiding who you really are.
Maybe it was time for a change of tights, but you can always do a little throwback work. Anyway, you look as beautiful as ever and much happier too. That's what's important.
Super-Gay
"High school freshman deep in the closet versus super-gay college sophomore." —Cheyenne. Ah, what a change this is. Not that you look all that much different, but we can say for sure that you look much more confident and happier than before. It's all in the eyes and the body language... and maybe also that super-gay, super-awesome pink rainbow flag sweatshirt that you're wearing now. Where can we get one?
Seriously, though coming out can do a number on one's outward aura. When you finally realize who you are you start to exude a positivity that other people can really pick up on.
A Decade, A Coming Out, And A Haircut
This is the kind of transformation that pretty much anyone can hope for. What you see as a gay transformation actually looks like an overall change-up in general. Honestly, this is how we hoped to suddenly transform after those awful puberty years. "What a difference a decade, a coming out, and a haircut can make." —Sheldon. You couldn't have said it better, friend. This is quite the big difference.
It's no small feat to be able to make a change like this, so we wholeheartedly congratulate you and all the others who are pushing past the limits to be more like themselves.
Super-Gay, Super-Married
"From a closeted 15-year-old to a super-gay, super-married 25-year-old. I am happier, more fulfilled, and more successful than I could possibly have imagined." —Tony. We're going to be totally honest and say that we aren't sure who is who in all of these photos, but that's the power of these transformations. The person you start with is sometimes going to be unrecognizable in the end and that's okay.
Whatever the case, you two both look stunning. The suit definitely helps, but the overall transformation is also something to behold. We wish you many more years of fulfillment!
Turned Into A Bigger Me
"A lot had changed in two years. Little me turned into a bigger me," says dgalik925. That is something we strive for. Sometimes we wish that the people we know could turn from a little version of themselves into a bigger, grown-up version of themselves. Unfortunately, they probably wouldn't end up looking as fab as you do. And even if they did, their personality may not be able to match it.
Looking back on yourself, you must be thinking how much of a baby you are comparatively. But know you've got a collar and a nice hairdo and everything is right with the world.
Lord Help(ed) Me
Sometimes, you have to go from being a tree hugger to being a bigger tree hugger... if you know what we mean. "Lord help me," says jordanb. Unfortunately, where your going many people seem to believe the lord is not listening. Don't worry, though, we are not of that opinion. The Lord is with everyone and everyone for what God would create something that they truly despise? They could easily stop it from happening.
That's why we think that it's okay to be gay more than we already thought so. Go away all you who think God hates us because you're obviously wrong. Sorry, not sorry.
Second Puberty For The Win
Puberty was probably the worst part of anyone's childhood. All of those emotions and embarrassing changes were not good for the psyche and we're happy that it's over. But for some, puberty is what helps them get to where they need to go. arrow1122 says, "Second puberty for the win." And to be fair, this second trip through puberty seems to have worked really well for this individual.
We just hope you didn't have to go through all that really annoying teenage puberty stuff a second time. Hopefully, it was more tolerable. But it's a means to an end.
Before And After
Not everyone gets to be a mother and not everyone gets to be a father. But for some people, they get to be both (for better or worse). "First one is from right around Father's Day 2016, and the second one is from Mother's Day 2021," says Valerie. At least, we're assuming the reason they chose these dates for a photo was to imply their parenthood. Looking great, Valerie!
If you really are a parent, it seems you get the best of both worlds for these holidays. While we can't know what you're journey must have been like, we're happy to see that you're finally comfortable in your own skin.
Out And Proud
Sometimes your assigned gender just doesn't fit the bill and you end up acting like somebody that you just aren't. That's likely the case for forest_nymph24 if their photo is anything to go by. "Prom photo, from when I was 16 and super closeted. I'm now 22 and out and proud as agender/demi boy and queer!" they said. We actually think you could have rocked this look at the prom too.
To be fair, though, high school kids can be so cruel, and you look great either way. We're just glad you can be who you want whenever you want now.
Out, Proud, And Loud
"Sixteen-year-old me, who wore mostly bigger clothing and a coat no matter how hot it was because I was insecure, versus 26-year-old me, who is out, proud, and loud," says Marcel Walker. We've been down the same road. Wearing a coat definitely felt more secure, but eventually, it just became a fashion statement. It's definitely easier said than done, but you should always feel comfortable in your own skin!
That being said, we totally understand that that's pretty much an impossible task for most of the people on this planet. But we're happy to see that you've found your place out of the closet and the coat as well!
Most Authentic Me
"From in the closet at 13 (don’t know how any of us missed the signs there) to being my most authentic me at 30," says boheezyinak. To be fair, the signs are missed all the time by basically everyone. You could even literally be having gay thoughts and not even think twice about what that means for yourself. And then one day you flourish into a beautiful new you and you get this:
We hope more people can be their "most authentic me" one day. Hopefully soon we can all live without worrying about that sort of thing and the minute we feel it we can come out and say it.
Not Caring And A Good Haircut
There are a lot of things that go into making yourself a better you. While many of those things are debatable, there are a couple of things we can all agree upon. As livefreeordavid says: "Not caring what people think of you and a good haircut are the two most essential ingredients to a #GayGlowUp." You got that right! And by the looks of it, this really turned out well for you.
Maybe a good haircut is what we're missing in our lives. Or maybe we just need to get out more, but the current climate makes that a bit difficult.
Came Out And Eyebrows Came In
Out of all the things that people are saying about their glow-ups, we have to say that this comment from cathy has to us laughing 'til we cry. they say, "Came out and eyebrows came in #gayglow." Don't worry, we're not laughing at you, we just didn't expect anyone to roast themselves with such perfect humor. And having humor is definitely a good step in the coming out process.
And can we just say that those eyebrows are fan-freaking-tastic? Not only that, but your overall look is really something. We want to take a lesson from your book, for sure. 10/10.
Seeing Gaga The First Time Vs. The Second Time
We all have those moments when we know our lives have changed. That's what happened to jaker3, as he recalls the time he looked back at himself to compare the difference. "Seeing Gaga the first time vs. the second time," he explained. We definitely can see what he's talking about. And after getting to see her live two separate times, how could you not beat your face to the gods like this?
We've never seen Gaga live, but we really want to. If we ever get the chance, you know we are going to go looking exactly like this guy right here.
Thank The Lord For The Gym And Puberty
"18 years old to 23 years old. Thank the Lord for the gym and for puberty," says griffinp3. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Honestly, thank the Lord for the gym and puberty in general. While we still think that puberty sucks, that in combination with a good workout really does wonders for the mind and soul. And when you're done, you hopefully come out of it with a transformation as good as this one:
Good job, griffinp3. We think that this would be a perfect change even if it wasn't part of your gay glow-up. We hope you continue to make good strides.
Screaming Rainbows
Sometimes you know yourself, but you can't give up what you have yet because you need some time to prepare yourself for a better you. As shoshi said, "From 16 and dating guys for attention and self-esteem boosts to screaming rainbows at Pride and marrying the love of my life #gayglowup". We're super excited to hear that after all that you were able to find yourself the one who's right for you!
Also, can we please borrow that outfit?! It's the perfect thing! Would it be appropriate to just get married in that? Actually, wait, it says engaged, so we'll have to change up the words a little.
Whatever You Wanna Call It
dagiaaka says about their transformation: "From shy Catholic schoolboy to, well, whatever you wanna call it." Many of us have been there before. You have to act the part and you don't want to know what will happen if you step away from all that. But the way you look in that picture tells us you were just looking for an opportunity to bust out of that closet.
And let's just say that you di a mighty fine job of it, too. That outfit looks sleek and that beard is killing it. We don't think you could have done any better.
Then Vs. Now
Simply put, "Then vs. now." says gabbiehurrellwills. As you can see, the "then" refers to dating guys and seeming to be straight, and the "now" is being out and proud and much happier than that other picture where you look like you're in shock that a guy is touching you in any manner whatsoever. We have to say that this is the perfect way to show off a gay glow-up.
We're just happy you won't have to make a face like that again. As long as you got your girl, anything should be possible. Keep on keeping on.
Embraced The Gay
Sometimes you need a little color in your life. Perhaps a rainbow is in order. And for dngayest, that's exactly what happened: "Ditched my long hair, dresses, and my boyfriend and embraced the gay (and got a wonderful girlfriend in the process)." We're happy to hear that it all worked out in the end. Sometimes all you need to do is embrace the gay and dump everything else.
Although we definitely think you rocked it in both pictures, you should always do what makes you happy. If you didn't, you might not have gotten the perfect girlfriend!
Much Happier Now
When you're not sure where your life is going and you've been hiding deep in the closet, you have to remind yourself that it's okay to be who you are and wear that on the outside as well. because when you finally become the person that you want to be, well. Take it from our next gay glow-up: "Much happier now," says munchkin233. What else is there to say?
Not only do you seem much happier now, but also much more confident and you also stand out more (in a good way). Keep being your unique, authentic self.
Proud To Be A Trans Guy
Part of the coming out process is being able to look at yourself and see the person you want to be. Being comfortable in your body is one of the best things you can do for yourself. "I've felt less awkward about myself since I came out, and I'm proud to be a trans guy," says Eggan. We hope that everyone can say the same thing about themselves when they come out.
It's important to be yourself and feel comfortable doing so. Coming out can allow you to really express that part of you that you never get to show without feeling self-conscious about it.
Out And Proud Bi
Kaitwritesthings showed herself off as "14 and closeted vs. 18 out and proud bi". They really took this opportunity to turn their style around. They went from classic to classy here. A stylish short haircut and a color-matched purple business-casual outfit makes them look nearly unrecognizable as the same person. But we really love the way it looks! We love how you can wear this pretty much at any time.
There are so many cool looks that people pull off when they have their glow-up. We can't wait to see how everyone else looks after they become true to themselves.
Unrecognizable
Speaking of unrecognizable, Julz98 pretty much says the same thing of herself: "I’m basically unrecognizable as my baby closeted self." Sometimes when you go through a big change, your entire physical appearance changes with it. And that's usually a good thing. it's like a new chapter of your life that you can look back on later. And in this case, we definitely think that change was a big overhaul to her persona.
She changed pretty much everything about herself almost overnight! Who knew what a little boost in self-confidence could do just from coming out. Keep rocking your true self out there!
From Popped Collar To PR Executive
This is another example of a really big change, both personality-wise and physically. "From popped collar to PR executive," says matthewb81. Though in this case, we think that the change was more needed than ever before. Not that it's a bad look, but it may be a bit outdated these days. The new look, on the other hand, is definitely something to feel good about. And not nearly as outdated.
Not only that, but you look much brighter, much more positive. If that's all it takes to be that happy, then we're in, too! Though it's not quite that easy.
Living Authentically
"From a closeted, depressed Nebraska boy to an out, proud, fitness-addicted Coloradan. Thank god for living authentically!" exclaims aaronm4382cb86a. We couldn't agree more. Living your best authentic life is the goal here, and if we had to guess then we'd say you're definitely doing that yourself. With such a big transformation as that, how could you not be? If anyone was unrecognizable on this list, it would certainly be this guy.
Like so many others, he looks a lot happier now than he did before. We hope that's helping him be less of that depressed Nebraska boy and more of that proud Coloradan.
Look What Happens When You Stop Lying To Yourself
"Yeah b****, check that smile! Look what happens when you stop lying to yourself," says Lisa. Well, we have to say that we've been checking that out this whole time and we are loving it. When people stop lying to themselves about who they really are, they bring out the best of themselves. If only more people were able to do that, this world might just be a better place.
But seriously, we love what you did. If this is what happens to people who stop denying their true selves then we think everyone should start looking at who they really are.
Can't Even Think Straight
"Peep my Jonas Brothers dog tag in the first photo," pointed out maggieb. We're gonna be honest and say that we didn't even know that that was a thing you could purchase. What were you thinking? Well, if your second picture is anything to go by, then you probably weren't thinking straight! We actually love this shirt so much that we think we're going to go out and buy it ourselves.
Having said that, we love this whole new you that you came out with. We hope that you continue to keep up the look and maybe bring it to some Jonas Brothers concerts as well.
Learned To Live In Color
But he's not the only one who added some color to his life. There is another guy who was able to really grasp the rainbow inside of him. "21 vs. 25 learned to live in color," says Alex. Even if you aren't a part of the LGBTQ+ community, we think that everyone could merit from being able to live in color. After all, who wants to live in a bleak, gray world?
Adding a little color to your life can really brighten things up. And we're not just saying this because the wording works really well. We think everyone should learn a thing or two from Alex.
Comfortable In My Own Skin
We always hope that people will be accepting of us no matter what. It's hard living in a world where everyone is judging you constantly. "I was scared of not knowing if I was gay and how the world would accept me, full of insecurities; now I am comfortable in my own skin and very happy being part of the LGBTQ community and helping others as much as possible!" ferfornelli exclaimed.
It doesn't matter who you are or what you are. The fact is that everyone wants to be accepted; even you. That's why you should always greet people with open arms and not judge people by such trivial matters.