I had a very similar religious and cultural upbringing to yours, so I completely understand about your not coming out to your parents. Nobody needs that kind of trauma — and I mean your trauma, not theirs.

I really enjoyed how you structured this story, the conversation with your friend right up front, her sounding like (being) the thoughtful, caring friend and ally. Then we slowly learn that some of her own (no-doubt unintentional) behaviors had caused you to doubt that you could/should come out to her.

This is common for a lot of queer people, I think. We pay close attention to what our friends say, and the internalized homophobia we struggle with can be easily reinforced.

It takes courage to come out. And while doing so doesn't always bring great results, it surely can, as in the case of you and your friend.

Thanks so much for sharing this!