By HANNAH ORENSTEIN, SevenTeen
1
The kiss that changed everything
"I had a boyfriend briefly in high school, but the first girl I kissed was someone I met at college orientation. It was a day or two after our first date, and we had gone to hang out in her room. It was pretty apparent that we were both interested in the other person. She asked if she could kiss me, and obviously I said yes. We kissed for a couple seconds but broke apart right before her roommate's entire family walked in. That kiss was a major landmark in exploring my sexuality — it was a confirmation that this was right for me. I realized that I enjoyed it so much more than I had enjoyed kissing a guy. I identify as a lesbian now (and have been in a relationship with that girl since August!)." — Kylie, 19
2
The dance floor makeout
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"I had been questioning my sexuality for a while, and last year, at a party in my dorm, I locked eyes with this girl I had been friends with since middle school. We had flirted slightly on occasion but nothing serious. She came up to me and just kissed me. I was surprised at first, so I stiffened. I was nervous because I had only been kissed two other times, and the first was awful. I was also afraid of confirming my thought that I liked girls. But then I melted into it and we ended up making out on the floor. It was awesome. Afterward, I felt more comfortable with my sexuality: I'm bisexual heteroromantic. I like girls and boys but I only want to pursue boys romantically." — Samantha, 19
3
The kiss that required a few attempts
"My friend group and I were at a gay nightclub on their 18+ night. I met a girl who introduced herself to me, danced nearby me and sometimes with me, and started a conversation. I couldn't tell if she was into me or just really friendly. When I leaned in at the end of the night to give her a kiss, I got cold feet and just hugged her. But then outside, I saw her again and told her I wanted to kiss her, but I was too nervous. We said goodbye for a second time. Five minutes later, she ran after me and kissed me. I told her it was my first kiss. She was honored and said she wanted to try it again. At this point, her friends and my friends were laughing and filming us, so we ran around the corner and tried to kiss again. It was still so awkward. Finally, she told me to stand still with my eyes closed and my mouth slightly open and we kissed one final time — my actual first kiss after so many attempts!" — Kelly, 18
4
The practice sesh
"When I was 12, my best friend had already had her first kiss and I hadn't, so she suggested we make out so I could 'learn how to do it for the future.' I remember being pretty nervous. I wasn't sure I would know what to do. Afterward, I was just relieved to have survived. We did kiss again — a couple of times — but never ended up dating. Looking back, I probably should have known I was gay, but I didn't end up coming out until later on. There's no 'right' way to discover your sexuality. You don't have to have it all figured out. If it takes time, then so be it." — Michelle, 18
5
The smooch from a BFF
"When I was 15, my best friend just asked if she could kiss me. I was shocked and didn't really kiss back because I didn't know what to do. We flirted and made out for the next few months, and then we wound up dating for a year. I had never considered that I was anything but straight before her, but dating her definitely made realize that I'm bisexual." — Julia, 18
6
The kiss that made everything MORE confusing
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"When I was 15, I was pretty sure I was into women, but I wanted an experience to know for sure. I wound up kissing a girl during a game of Spin the Bottle. The kiss ended up being really bad and I got super upset. I was like, 'Does this mean I'm straight?' Even though I was pretty sure I wasn't straight. Now, I say I'm queer — I don't feel like there's a label that fits exactly how I identify, and my identity has certainly changed over the years." — Alex, 19
7
The movie-perfect moment
"I had kissed boys before because that's what my friends did, but I always had thoughts about girls that I kept hidden. Then, one girl caught my attention. We were friends until she told me she had feelings for me. She told me not to be scared — to just like who you like and that's it. She kissed me when we were hanging out by the water at sunset and I felt so free, so accepted, so giddy. I couldn't get the smile off my face. We were together for about three months (never officially) and wound up great friends due to the distance. Now, I don't label my sexuality. I'm a girl who at the time liked a girl. I'm a girl who can also like a boy. I like people and if there is a person who interests me and cares for me then that's all that matters." — Zoe, 20
8
Friendly feedback
"I spent New Year's Eve at my friend's party. After the guys had left, one of the girls said that she wondered if she was a good kisser. My friend decided she wanted to find out if she was, too. One thing led to another, and after that we all took turns kissing each other and then giving one another feedback. It was only strange for my first kiss. After that it just felt perfectly normal." – Chloe, 15
9
The birthday surprise
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"My first kiss with a girl was when I was in seventh grade at my 13th birthday party. It was actually my first kiss, but I don't count it. We were playing Spin the Bottle and I ended up kissing about every girl there. It made me question my sexuality, but at that age a lot of girls question it. I dated a few girls, but never did anything with them, not even kiss them. It's funny, I've kissed more girls now that I identify as straight than I did when I was curious." — Ansley, 19
10
Playing house
"I've known I'm a lesbian since birth. I was eight years old when I had my first kiss. Every time my friend and I hung out, we'd play house and be 'husband and wife' and kiss — and it was something I always looked forward to. It was cute and there was no pressure." — Brianna, 21
