Gay youth often feel isolated and alone. It's easy still to believe all the negative stereotypes from families, religions and functions of society. It is easy to feel like you're the only one. Our queer youth are at risk for HIV infection and suicide. Our queer youth get thrown out of the house in record number - over 40 percent of throwaway and runaway youth in Los Angeles are gay youth.
Parents ask is it nature or nurture.
People do not choose to be gay or straight. The only choice most gay youth have is whether to come out or not. Whether to live openly and feel good about themselves. Many of you have seen the bumper sticker, A closet is a great place for clothes. That much is true.