TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I'm 19 years old and I've known that I've been gay for about a year. I found this out because one of my co-workers from work introduced me to this guy and we did some stuff and I liked it quite a bit. Then, my parents found out. I believe they were both raised Catholic, so they are both totally against homosexuality. I tried to explain to them that I believe its something that I was born with and that I can't really control how I feel about someone, but they weren't having any of it. So, I stopped for a bit and then recently I got with another guy and my parents found out again and we pretty much had the same conversation again about how they believe what I'm doing is "wrong" and that it's not part of "God's plan" and all this stuff. The feelings I have for this new guy are much deeper then the feelings I had for the first guy because as bad as it sounds, I really just wanted to see if i was into that kind of thing. I don't know what to do because my parents are threatening to kick me out of the house (knowing full well that I can't do that right now because im still going to school and working full time). However, I still want to see this guy. Most of all, I want them to accept the fact that I can't choose to be this way because if that were the case I probably wouldn't.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE
It's understandable that you're feeling worried about being kicked out. It was brave of you to tell your parents about how you've been feeling, and I'm glad that you're still able to stay true to yourself. Do you have anyone to talk to about your parents ? Like a close friend, or family member? You're going through a lot right now - dealing with your parents, school, and your job. You shouldn't have to deal with all of this by yourself. I can give you the number to the Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline - their number is 866-488-7386 and they're open from 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. They can refer you to talk to other people going through the same thing as you. It might help to talk to others. If you need somebody to talk to you can call TEEN LINE at 1-800-852-8336, and we're open from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to talk to you.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hello, my name is A_____ and I'm a 14 year-old-gay teen. Over the past year my life has been out of control, my new school doesn't seem like they've ever seen a gay guy before and instead of learning goes straight to hating. I've got my small group of amazing friends, yes, but I've been pushed over the edge this time with this school. The school is in a small country town with very traditional, conservative views and no tolerance for people being different. I was warned when moving not to come out right away, and to only come out to a few close friends after awhile. But, I was already out, i spent two weeks in a teen mental health center for attempting suicide after coming out, I didn't see why I had to hide from people after just deciding not to. So logically, in my mind, I went into school the first day and was bombarded with questions, the first time someone asked if I was gay, I said yes, and in seconds it was spread across the entire school. Since then, I've been targeted by the school as a problem child, and my haters are getting by with nothing more than a stern-talking-to. I was physically forced to leave the bleachers by my haters, they almost pushed me off them, because it wasn't the "queer section". My school did nothing until i contacted the school board. Then, the guy who did most of it got A SINGLE detention. I get suspended if I don't do my homework. How does that work? I've tried my hand at every "support" group I could find but they always end up being a bunch of obviously old guys looking for sex, and that's repulsive. I've just been SO confused lately as to what to do. My therapist says to tell people "I'm not contagious", my mom wants me on the down-low, my school wants me to shut up, my dad wants me straight, and my friends want me to dye my hair pink and throw it in my haters faces, but all I want is to find someone, to be happy, to be, well, normal. I know its too much to ask, but I'm done, just done with t! he drama , done with the hate, and done with my school turning down every request I have for GSAs, support groups, participation in the DOS, everything. I just want to hang with friends, and to take weird pictures, and to finally come out with my first single, which has been in pre-production forever, but I can't. My town won't let me. My friends say that I'm really fun when I get relaxed, but those times are small and far apart. I know that once my life settles, and I graduate my life will take a turn for the better, I've dreamed about it every night. I know that will happen, but I'm tired of dreaming. I don't want to seem needy, but I need for things to get better. I need someone to talk to. Please, tell me what to do, or give me the best advice you can, please. Thank you for your time, you don't know how much I appreciate it.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey
Thanks for writing us at TEEN LINE. It's got to be hard to take the leap to come out and it sounds like it must have been hard for you if you tried to kill yourself. It's great that you were able to get help. If you are ever feeling suicidal again, you can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. They're open 24 hours a day and their number is (877)-727-4747. It seems like you're feeling pretty misunderstood, upset, angry and even pulled in different directions by your friends and family. It's great that you've found a group of friends you like, but having the rest of your school gang up on you like that, and not be understanding, must be isolating. It also must be frustrating that your school isn't being supportive of you, is their a school counselor or a teacher you like that you can talk to about this? It's great that you realize that high school isn't forever and you've even started to put together a single, which is really cool. You have something to look forward to and that's great and will help get you through these hard times. It sounds like although you have a great group of friends, it might be helpful for you to talk to someone else whose in your same position. If the support groups you've been to haven't been beneficial, maybe you can call the Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline to talk to other gay people going through similar problems. They're open mondays to fridays from 8 am to 4:30pm (pst), their number is (866)-488-7386. And, of course, you can always call TEEN LINE, from 6 to 10 pm (pst) at (310)-855-4673. We look forward to hearing from you.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hello, my name is n_______ and im 16 years old, I dont really what to do. i told my mom 2 weeks ago that i am gay..and she did not take it well, she sort of cried and started saying that im just confused. that i cant be gay, she would start talking about me getting married to a girl and having children and other stuff like AIDS. it really makes me mad and depresses me that my mother doesn't want me to be gay. I know i am, but she keeps saying im comfused The whole reason why i wanted to tell her was so that i dont have to hide anything in case i find a boyfriend :/ I can't just pretend to be straight and do things behind her back, can i? :(

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE. It seems scary and confusing coming out to someone you trust and what their reactions may be. Its a great thing that you were willing to come forward with this to your mother, too. Have you talked to your mom about your feelings towards her thinking you are confused? It was courageous that you were open enough to talk about it and discuss it with her. What if you spoke to a close friend or even school counselor about it? You can also call the Gay and Lesbian National Hotline at (888)843-4564 to talk about it and get more information and support. Also, we are open to take any calls everyday from 6-10pm PST at (310)854-4673.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Would it be a good idea to come out to your father who is a pastor? If not, when would it be a good time? If yes, how would I come about doing this?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us about this. You mentioned that you don't know how to come out to your father who is a pastor. That must be really scary. You can always come out to others before your father. Also, maybe it would help to speak to a school counselor about your fear of coming out. You can call the Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline at 866-488-7386. They are a hotline that has gay and lesbian listeners who have experienced the same problems with coming out. They are open monday through friday from 8am to 4:30pm pacific time. Or you can visit their website at www.lagaycenter.org. You can also call us at 310-855-4673. We are open everyday from 6-10pm.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Ok so I com from a really conservative and religious family. My mom and dad are disgusted with the idea of gay people. My brother thinks they should burn in hell, and I am clueless about my sister. I however have never been bothered by the thought of someone being gay. Lately I have noticed that I have been becoming more and more attracted to both sexes. I've told one person that I might be bi but every time I picture myself with someone of the same sex I feel guilty and disgusted. Is this normal?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hello, thanks for reaching out to us about this. It sounds like you are very confused about your feelings and how you would tell your family if you were bi. It is very normal to be confused about your sexuality. Maybe it would help to talk to someone like a school counselor or therapist about this? You can also call the Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline and speak to other youth who are experiencing the same thing as you. Their number is 866-488-7386. They are open monday through friday from 8am to 4:30 pm or you can go to their website at www.lagaycenter.org. And of course you can always call us at 310-855-4673. We are open everyday from 6-10pm pacific time. It is very normal to feel the way your are feeling. Feel free to call us.

a TEEN LINE teen