As the world continues to progress, LGBT persons are coming out at earlier and earlier ages. Although the process of finding one’s identity can be an exciting journey of discovery, the complexities of coming out on top of preexisting issues of being a teen can create a bumpy road. LGBT youth triumph over this adversity and grow into compassionate adults, aware of the hardships that exist in the world and equipped with the ability to cope and learn.

Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) are a way through which, LGBT and allied youth can create community in an environment that may not accept LGBT people as equals. Through clubs and organizations on high school and college campuses, LGBT youth communities often create events that express and educate others about who they are and the issues with their community.

Due to the intricate nature of LGBT adolescence, youth within our community are at a higher probability to participate in risky behaviors. Issues within the greater LGBT community are amplified for LGBT youth as the questions and fears that accompany puberty are compounded by the search for one’s gender and sexuality. The following are issues which LGBT youth deal with on a regular basis:

• Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination on their middle school, high school, and college campuses.

• Due to the bullying of other youth, family members, and administrators, LGBT Youth are at a higher risk to drop out of school, and in some cases, commit suicide.

• There are LGBT youth who feel so alienated that they run away from home and become homeless.