Frequently adults mistakenly avoid discussion of this subject. Disclosure Disclosure presents difficult choices. Disclosing to one's friends and peers can have devastating consequences for an adolescent. So much importance surrounds acceptance and being like everyone else during this stage of development that the fear of non-acceptance or ostracism is tremendously inhibiting. The disclosure to the family can lead to responses such as guilt or fear and assignment or denial of blame.
Familial actions range from acceptance to enforced treatment to family expulsion.
Some are forced into prostitution as a means of survival. Often other social identities that gays are entitled to are denied. Some beliefs are that gays cannot be good Christians, lawyers, laborers, or politicians. Fortunately, some of these beliefs are changing but much more is needed. TEEN LINE is an organization that can offer a safe atmosphere for the open expression and discussion of the difficulties of establishing a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender identity.