How to Evaluate a GLBT Outreach Program

It's easy to feel alone when you're gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. A GLBT outreach program can be a great place to meet people like you. Make sure you find the right one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate a program you can get to easily. Check train or bus schedules if necessary.

2. Call the program hot line and ask questions.

3. Find out who the program addresses (lesbians, bisexuals and so on).

4. Ask if the program is anonymous or confidential. Ask if you'll have to give your name or other identifying information, and, if so, why the program needs the information.

5. Inquire about bringing others - friends or family members who may not be GLBT.

6. Find out if others from your school or town have visited. Ask what age group can attend the program.

7. Go to the program twice. Take a friend if you can. Give the program at least two chances - you may see different people each time you go.

8. Decide if the program makes you comfortable.

9. Find another program if the first program isn't for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Many programs are in churches because churches have low-cost or free space - these are usually not "church programs."
• Leave if you feel uncomfortable.
• Skip a "program" in the house of someone you don't know.

[plaintruth]

on 2/16/2007 For many teens, particularly in rural or suburban areas, there are very few resources available. It is important to find a trusted adult (A family member is ideal, provided that you are confident you can truly TRUST them) to support you. This person should go with you to find support networks for GLBT people. You need not seek a teen specific group, as these can be HARD to find. PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) is a good resource. Find a mentor. If other teens are not active in the group, you may find adults who can put you in contact with other teens and possibly start your own group. Alternately, you can go to your guidance counselor to set up a support group in your school. Your school may support you, or they may not. Know that if they don't, and you fight them in court, you will win (Know too, that to do this, your parents' support is a must). You will want to share your experience with other teens, but don't discount the importance of an adult who is well adjusted and living comfortably and openly. This person can give you perspective that is essential to keep you sane and help you through the hardest times. Teens coming to grips with homosexuality are sometimes fine, but others have serious problems in their lives. Some are harboring secrets that create a rift between them and their families. Some fear that their families will disown them if they learn about the teens sexuality (which is, unfortunately, a very valid concern in some cases). Some teens have a very difficult time accepting this aspect of their personalities at all. Some face daily harassment and even regular violence from classmates. Some fear losing all of their friends, and this can happen too. Ultimately, many of the most challenging problems a gay (etc.) teen faces are not directly related to his sexuality at all. They are concerns about his family, his school mates, his friends. High school is not an easy place to be gay (although it is getting better).

If you are a teenager and think, or know that you are gay, you must find others to support you. You need to know that millions of people are gay, and lead happy, normal lives.

You may have religious concerns. You need to know that there are religious people of all faiths who believe that homosexuality is perfectly alright. If your particular church or sect does not, get another one. There are 1000 interpretations of Christianity alone, and ideas about what is ok evolve and change constantly. You do not have to agree with every other person claiming to share your faith in order to maintain your religion. In fact, there is so much variation that you CANNOT agree with everyone of your faith on most issues. If you think your god does not accept you, broaden your perspective. Get advice from religious leaders who support lgbt people.

Maintain your perspective: If you are sixteen and sure your parents will throw you out of the house, you may not want to tell them you are gay. But know that when you go to college, there will be an lgbt group on campus (You can even look it up to make sure when you choose your school). If you are afraid you will never find a partner, know that in every high school in America there is another teen who feels the same way (There is probably a handful, in your own school). In another year or so, you can find her.

If you are comfortable, you CAN "come out" in your high school. Think about this carefully, to decide whether it is the best for you. You WILL meet people who try to make life difficult for you. Always remain true to yourself. If they get to you, never let on. Eventually, most people will respect you for this. If you do this, you will never lose respect for yourself. Some people may try to hurt you. Judge this in advance, and be careful. You may spend your high school career looking over your shoulder. Know where there is an adult, all the time. Be respectful of others, but only so much as th