It discusses the development of social identity among gay and lesbian youth, the coming-out process, and vulnerability to HIV infection. It is very difficult for young gay men and lesbians to be open about their sexuality with their family and friends. Within family and school structures, among peers, and in society in general, references are primarily heterosexual.
Most school systems are no more capable than the family of supporting young gay men and lesbians.
In our primary and secondary schools, many teachers do not know how to deal with homosexuality, and may exhibit discriminatory and heterosexist attitudes. In such a hostile environment, gay and lesbian youth often feel that they have to hide their attraction to members of their own sex from their peers, in order to protect themselves against discrimination. As a result, gay and lesbian youth construct their social identity without the benefit of being able to socialize and identify with other gay men and lesbians, and without the freedom to be open in their relationships with their heterosexual peers. This has inevitable consequences for one's self-esteem. Gay and lesbian youth attempt suicide more often than youth in general.