a gay youth centre. I've been searching forever for where the nearest gay youth center is to me but, the only one I was able to find in New York was over 350 miles away in New York City. Any tips on how to go about looking for one? When I look, I only find either articles on HIV or national organizations..., which doesn't really help me.
. Unfortunately, there aren't as many Gay & Lesbian Youth Centers as there is a need. Especially in rural areas. You may consider starting your own support group. Gay-Straight Alliance Network: Gay-Straight Alliance is a network of high-school groups throughout the US. They can help you start your own group, or perhaps there is a school near you, I'm sure you would be welcomed to there meetings even if you don't go to that school. I'd give it a go. About Gay-Straight Alliance Network Type in 'Gay Straight Alliance' into Google or Yahoo. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) http://www.pflag.org/ PFLAG is a group that works on GLBT causes, especially youth. Check out their website, and send them an eMail asking for information and help. They may have better answers than I do. There may also be a PFLG group near you, while not a youth group, it would be a safe place to make contacts and discuss your issues. Find PFLG near you Locate the chapter nearest you (even if it's 350 miles away) and send them your questions and ask for help. They may know of a group that is closer to you or be able to help you start a group. Try www.outminds.com, this site is a great place for gay, lesbian and questioning youth. Run by youth and FOR youth. They have a terrific support staff. Also, don't be afraid to call local Colleges and Universities, many have a support group for gay and lesbian students. Usually they operate under the 'Student Services.' So, you'd call Student Services and ask if they have a GLBT support group, when and where they meet. Many of these groups have their own office and drop in center on campus. I'd find out when they were meeting and just show up. The only problem I can see they would have is that you are a minor. Even though most universities do have students under the age of 18, they don't want to be seen as recruitment centers for GLBT youth. So, here's the tricky part, I can't suggest that you lie about your age, just play it down. And I'm not suggesting you should lie about going to school there, heck maybe you're looking at area schools and their student services, (you should be, you know.) and you want to check them out, attend a meeting, etc. good luck. .
Eugh, my connection lagged out and I lost my reply. Anyway, I couldn't find any information on a local GSA but, there is a local PFLAG which I'll drop a line and ask some questions there. I also found out that a family friend who teaches south of here is offering a group which in more generalistic then a GSA but, is all I really have to go on. Also, he'd really be a big support as he's one of the only established gays I know. Also, about starting a GSA at my school..., I don't actually think I'd have anyone to back me and it'd end up more in an embaressement. I probally wouldn't even be able to find a supervisor.
. Swayr, Sounds like you're off to a good start. You might ask around about how folks went about starting a GSA, before you try to start one or decide it can't be done. I have never done that and you might be right about your school. But perhaps you meet one other person, an ally you never knew existed. Perhaps the group fails now, but two years from now you have given the idea to anther kid who does make it work. I'm not saying it's the best choice. Just to think about the benefits as well as the challenges. There are probably more ppl at outminds who have started a GSA, it wouldn't hurt to pose the question there "how did you go about starting a GSA at your school?" Ask at GSA too. You also might want to check with a local church who are open to gay people. Not all christians are bigots. You may find one willing to host a GSA, if your school won't or you can't find an adviser. .
