Support for Gay Teens Facing Homophobia and Bullying

by Erin Dower

Some sociologists have estimated that one in 10 teens is gay. Homophobia exists in hallways, neighborhoods, homes, and classrooms across the country.

Parents, teachers, and teens can turn to the following resources for support for gay youth:

• This article on understanding your gay teen, with step-by-step advice for families, from first finding out your teen is gay to helping him through anti-gay harassment and violence
• The American Academy of Pediatrics' tips for families of gay teens, including advice for parents to take a no-tolerance approach on homophobic remarks toward their child
• The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, GLSEN, a resource for setting up and supporting Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in schools (there are currently more than 4,000 registered)
• LAMBDA Youth OUTreach website, where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens can learn about family and community support and access online forums with their peers as an outlet for the challenges they face
• The It Gets Better Project, an outreach program designed to organize a social network to show support and encouragement for gay teens. Find the video clip series on YouTube, or follow the program on Facebook
• Gay literature for teens in some school and public libraries; books like Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan, Deliver Us from Evie by M.E. Kerr, and The Misfits by James Howe (which inspired a national "No Name Calling Week" in some schools) have become increasingly popular and focus on the troubles and triumph of gay characters
• The Trevor Project, a 24/7, toll-free, nationwide hotline and resource for crisis and suicide prevention for the LGBTQ youth community; the hotline is 1-866-488-7386

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