Some families are very supportive. But some lesbian and gay youth have been kicked out of their homes when their parents found out. It's important to have someone to talk to because it's not normal or healthy for young people to have to keep secret such an important part of their lives. People aren't encouraged in our society to talk openly about sex, but it's important that we communicate about whether we feel ready to have sex or not, about what we like and don't like to do sexually, and different expectations we may have about relationships. It's very important to talk about whether we're at risk for HIV, the virus that is thought to cause AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases, like herpes.
All people have a right to feel good about themselves.
We're all valuable human beings. Developing self-esteem is very important. It's hard for gay and lesbian young people to feel good about ourselves because all around us are people who believe that we're sick or perverted or destined to live unhappy lives. When we think we have to hide who we really are, we may feel isolated, fearful, and depressed, especially if we've had no one to talk to about our sexual orientation. More and more, we as young gay and bi men are learning to like who we are.