“The most relentless feature in the lives of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth is a sense of isolation. The average gay or lesbian youth maintains total silence about their sexual orientation for a period of at least six years, all the while experiencing severe stress related to that orientation.”

Safe Spaces, Canadian Public Health Association, August 1998

It's not easy for anyone to learn about sex and love in school. Gay or straight, many of us face the same problems. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (glbt) students have questions about sexuality that nobody seems to be talking about, they aren't covered in class, and they can't be answered by a trip to the library

You might think you are the only one who feels this way, but you’re not. The glbt community is vast and diverse, and everyone in it has faced many of the same challenges as you and sought the same answers. We’re here to give you some of those answers and show you how you can find the rest.

HelpingOut is here to give you the words needed to understand your experiences and to express what you are going through. On this site you will find stories about the experiences of other glbt youth just like you. There are articles that provide information to help you understand what you are feeling and that help you build the skills needed to cope with such things as coming out or harassment in your school.

We also give you links and resources so you can find someone to talk to or learn how you can help others. If you are worried about keeping your search for information confidential, we provide some sound advice on protecting your privacy.

Lesbian and gay youth are 2-6 times more likely to attempt suicide than other youth.

Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1989.

Service providers estimate that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth make up 20-40% of homeless youth in urban areas.

The National Network of Runaway and Youth Services.

AlterHeros.com - Information on homophobia and the school environment, activities and events in the community, personal stories, and a gallery showcasing artistic work.