How can I tell my same-sex friends that I am gay/lesbian/bi without them thinking I like them?

I've always just started by talking about a girl I like and letting them know it's not them. It's worked for me countless of times. Of course you have to actually have a girl you like. :)

I think it's best to just be honest with them. Sometimes a little honesty is all that's needed. I believe you have the ability to do so.

The best thing you can do is address your fears and concerns with them. You may benefit from letting them know that you want to tell them something, but are afraid that they will misinterpret it. Then, consider elaborating.

I can't, cause I really do like them. What I can do is explain what makes me the way I am and how I feel about it. I don't plan on telling (most) of them that I am attracted to them, unless they ask me.

That you care about your friendship and hope to become better friends, but not tell them that you like them.

You can tell them that you are gay/lesbian/bi because it makes you happy. And that you will be happy that as friends they understand that. At the same time that you will date out of the friend zone.

I would make it clear that you are telling them you have only the potential to be attracted to the same sex, and that you don't think of them romantically.

Start by explaining that this is a very difficult topic for you to discuss with them, as you are unsure how they will react. Make sure they know you are close friends and that is why you want them to be one of the first to know. Then explain that you are gay/lesbian/bi, but be sure to follow with the fact that it does not mean you are interested in them in a way that's more than friends. I found, personally, that this helped some of my less understanding friends to feel more comfortable with me being open about who I am. With some people, it doesn't matter what you say, they will think what they think and you just have to hope for the best.

from my experience (yours may be different) most people who you come out to will (either seriously or jokingly) ask if you are attracted to them, and you can answer them by saying "no i'm not but i'm attracted to (insert their gender)"