DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR TEENAGER WAS LAST NIGHT?
The counsellor says I'm such a fine caring young person, full of integrity. She says I've really blossomed in the group. No one else knows I'm gay and here is somewhere I can be myself. It takes so much energy to hide it at home and school. Last night, I told them I just can't live the lie anymore and maybe it's time to tell you. The group worried about what would happen to me if I told you, but you see, I can live with who I am and be proud. It's you I worry about. Will you feel I've failed you? Will the rest of the family reject our family? I love my family and want us to stay together. I just know I can't live a lie anymore. You see it's not a choice. It's who I am and the only choice is whether to be true to myself. You've worked so hard to raise me to be someone you can be proud of. I'm gay! There it's out and it feels so good to say it. But, I need your unconditional love too. Please, please, please give me a sign it's ok to tell you. Please tell me you love me whether I'm gay or straight. You do love me…don't you?
By Shaun Growing up gay in York Region is pretty much like growing up gay in Toronto, London or Haliburton, it's tough. One of my friends, while in high school, was violently assaulted while being called a "faggot". This happened at a school in downtown Toronto, one block from the gay village. To say homophobia and ignorance exists only outside the downtown core is wrong. Ignorance and intolerance can rear its ugly head anywhere. As a gay youth, overcoming this hatred can be daunting. Most teenagers deal with a number of issues while growing up: identity, future relationships, morals, peer pressure, among others. Heaping sexual orientation on top of this pile of worries can be, at least, overwhelming. There are precious few resources to turn to when you're young, gay, and in need of support. The usual resources, such as guidance counsellors, parents or even friends, aren't always an option. The advice most of us are looking for is simple: being gay is a normal, healthy, acceptable way of life. These can be very comforting words in a society which hasn't fully accepted who we are. Although sometimes hard to find, there is a networks of support services for gay youth, providing counselling and social outlets. These groups really help us feel comfortable and proud of our sexuality. That's half the battle. When society realizes that homosexuality is normal, the battle will be won. The York Region Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Youth Support Group meets twice monthly to provide support and socialization to youth 26 years of age and under. Facilitated by Public Health nurses, the group provides a safe and comfortable place to meet and share concerns, Call (905) 940-1333 or 1-800-461-2135 for location and further information. Shaun, 21, was raised and currently lives in northern York region. He has moved on to the School of Journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic University after having spent a year at the University of Western Ontario, One day he hopes to be a gay and proud civil rights lawyer.
By Scott
To all those people that know they are homosexual Growing up gay in a straight family is a great strain. I have never really had a relationship with my father but when I told him I was gay he actually listened and gave me the opportunity to talk about it. That was the first time that I actually felt comfortable about who I was and what I was as an individual. I felt that I had a new friend as well as a father again and that felt great. A few days later, I told the rest of my family and now they don't really talk to me any more. I am no different than I was before they knew. Why am I being treated like this if nothing has changed? I am still me and not some freak. Why can't I be accepted for who I am and what I like? My personal life is my business not any one else's and if being gay affects you then let me know and we can talk about it! I am not a mean person and I may not be the best person to talk to but I do know that I am here to make a difference. I am just a normal person.
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