As a friend it can be confusing dealing with someone who’s come out to you, especially if you don’t know any other LGBT people. Remember that they are still the same person and that they’ve told you this information because they trust you and want to be more honest with you. Also try to remember that this is probably going to change your relationship, and it is important that you should try and understand this part of their identity as you have with other parts of their identity. Understanding comes through questioning them and while they may not have the answers now they will hopefully be able to feel comfortable around you and others in a way which they weren’t able to before; more honestly and openly.

Keep in mind that they’ve had plenty of time to think over this part of their identity and so it would be unfair for them to expect you to understand it straight away. With time, hopefully their coming out will make your bond stronger.