17 year old, Female, WA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
To keep a long, long issue short… I’m one of those GLB people, except I don’t know which. I seem to be sexually attracted to women and romantically attracted to men. What the hell am I? Do I have any chance for a normal relationship? Also, my family is very religious and I go to a Catholic high school, so even if I do figure out what I am, I don’t know how I would come out. I think my mom would support me, but I’m afraid my dad would freak out, and I know my grandparents would be really hurt. I’m not religious, but I don’t want them to know that either. Please help me or at least let me know if you read this. It’d be nice to know that someone can hear me.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi K____. Thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are really confused right now, and it also seems you are afraid of being rejected by your family. I want you to know that it is normal to have attractions for men and women, and what you are going through can be very confusing because sexuality isn’t always clear. There are some great resources out there that can help you to figure out your sexual orientation, and they can talk about the coming out process because that can be really scary. I’d like to give you the number for the GLBT National Youth Talk Line. It is a hotline that specializes in helping teens just like you that are experiencing similar issues. You can call (800) 246- 7743 Monday through Friday from 1 pm – 9 pm PST, and also on Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm PST. Also I encourage you to call us at TEEN LINE to talk to a trained teen who will listen to you and support you. The number for TEEN LINE is (310) 855- 4673 and the line is open every day 6 pm – 10 pm. Thanks again for contacting us. I wish you luck.

a TEEN LINE teen

17 year old, Female, GA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
ok so i am in 12th grade and i have been lesbian since 6th grade and well my parents just found out this year and they were so pissed. they said that i was sick in the head and was ruinin my life. so i had to convince them that im not a lesbian but the truth is i still am and i hate lyin to my parents i dont know wat to do.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. I can understand why you might feel frustrated because you feel you’re forced to lie to your parents especially about something that is an important part of you. I would also understand if you felt degraded because your parents don’t want to accept you for who you are. Have you talked to anyone about this? A friend, trusted adult, or school counselor? Talking can be a great way to work through an issue. Maybe you could look at the resources at your local gay and lesbian center or pflag (parents and friends of lesbians and gays). They might be able to help you help your parents accept you for who you are; some centers have a group your parents can go to that may help them come around to the idea of you being open about your sexuality. If you’re seeking more support, maybe you could think about calling The Trevor Project at 800-850-8078. The Trevor Project is an LGBT support hotline that may be able to give you support with your parents. The listeners there have been through similar situation and can give you more personal guidance. Also, you can always feel free to call us here at TEEN LINE. We’re open from 6-10pm PST at (310)-855-4673, and you could chat with us at teenlineonline.org.

a TEEN LINE listener