What It's Like to Come Out as a Queer Girl, as Told by Emily Fields

By now, pretty much any queer girl with access to a television or Netflix is all about Emily Fields. In case you're not, we'll fill you in (and, like, we're so sad for you). Played by the hyper-beautiful Shay Mitchell, Emily Fields is the super gay, super stunning, cool girl of the ever-popular Pretty Little Liars. When she came out in the show's first season, we knew it was gonna be good. So, of course, we've been with her ever since.

In short, Emily Fields is all of us. Who better to illustrate what it's like to come out as a queer girl?

1. First, you’re overwhelmed. Like, are you gay? Are you bi? Pan? Where do you fit? WHO ARE YOU?

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2. And you’re still hanging out with friends who insist on saying things like “that’s so gay” and throwing around slurs.

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3. You come to terms with who you are, which takes time, but eventually you find yourself.

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4. Feeling brave, you finally get rid of those crappy, unsupportive friends, because you’re better than that.

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5. And when you find the people who love you the way you are, you basically burst with PRIDE.

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6. You embrace all that is queer and realize how damn awesome it is to be you.

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7. Plus, you finally hook up with a bunch of cuties.

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8. And theeeen you find out you have a crush on a straight girl.

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9. You try to play it cool when the straight girl says she has a boyfriend. So. Cool.

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10. But then you finally like a girl who ISN’T STRAIGHT.

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11. And it seems like things are going great.

12. So you’re feelin’ yourself.

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13. So of course you drunk Snap her to seem really cool and exciting.

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14. You apologize for being a mess when you see her.

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15. She says she's into you anyway.

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16. So it finally seems okay to tell your friends about your crush.

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17. You hook up with your crush. Like, finally.

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18. The morning after when you show up to brunch ready to spill it all.

19. Because the only thing better than hooking up with a hottie is having friends who are beyond thrilled for you and your newfound happiness.

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