How can I not lose my friends when coming out of the closet?

You should learn about their views before coming out - are they homophobic/transophobic? And also, if someone does leave you because you came out that doesn't mean you lost a friend, that means you got rid of someone that didn't love you enough in order to support you with everything.

Coming out can be a daunting task. Just remember that your true friends will always be there for you no matter who you love.

Just be yourself! They are your friends. Let them know that you are the same person you were yesterday and that you will be thw same person tomorrow. Stay true to yourself and stay strong!

Well... there is no guarantee that you won't lose friends... but if you do, they were never your friends in the first place. If they aren't ready to accept you for who you are, then ditch them. All they will do, is cause trouble. But before you come out to them, maybe you could try to drop hints here and there to see how they react to LGBTQ related subjects. For example, when I was trying to come out to my best friend, I asked her, "what would you do if one of your friends told you that he/she was gay?" and her answer was, "nothing, they should be who they wish to be... it's nothing they can control... I'll love them even more for being honest with me actually...". Also, if you guys are really close, and they know how amazing you are, it's unlikely that just because you identify as something other than "straight" will cause them to ditch you. And if you think about it, being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual, gender-queer, etc. isn't a bad thing at all. It's just something that makes you, you. But whatever happens, just be aware that there are many other people out there who are LGBTQ and are willing to help you out! Also you could gain friends by coming out... so... Well, best of luck!

When you come out of the closet people might not support you. That's what they do. But if your friends don't. Then they aren't true friends

When coming out, it's very important to be as open and honest as possible, and encourage people to ask their questions if they don't seem to understand you, so they'll have a chance to listen and learn, and widen their horizons if they need to. However, those who won't accept you and welcome you for who you are, are simply intolerant to the point that they don't deserve your friendship. True friends don't abandon each other because of this, and even if they were brought up in a close-minded environment, they should give you at least a chance to be listened and understood if they truly care for you!

IF they are really considered friends, they will accept your sexual orientation and love you for you. After all, it wouldn't change who you are.

Although there is no 100% guarantee that you won't lose your friends, you could try to find out their standing on this, and if they seem to be somewhat closed off to the idea of lgbtq I would try to see if I could open their eyes a little bit. However, if you do still end up losing them, you'll be okay, you will one day find friends who will accept you for who you are and if they can't accept you then they weren't your friends in the first place.

Sexuality can be confusing and not just for the person who has discovered they're LGBTQ. Sometimes it can confuse or upset their friends too. Personally I don't think there's a way to "prevent" losing friends except being honest and hoping they're willing to look through it and accept you and if they can't, then it's their loss. Sexuality shouldn't have to define a person or who their friends are.

Honestly, this is my opinion and my experiences.... Coming out is something that no matter how you try to sugar coat it, will not change the reaction (again, my personal experience). But don't do it unless you're sure you want them to know, and you should be prepared for it to go either way. I don't think you should come out until you know their stance on LGBTQ+ people and explain that you know its not our choice who we fall in love with and such. Coming out is terrifying that's true but honestly, your real friends will be there with you no matter what happens and no matter who you are. Do not try to change yourself to make someone else happy. The best person you can be is yourself. And if you ever need someone to talk to then I'm here for you. Lots of love and best wishes coming out xx