Advice for Gay Teens

For LGBT teens who are in high school right now, my first piece of romantic advice is unapologetically superficial and cosmetic: don't pick your zits. You'll get scars.

Secondly, bullies. You know, those people who have a sixth sense about your difference, and feel obliged to tell everyone? They're all like the Wicked Witch of the West: they dissolve the instant you accept your diploma. (In fact, most bullies end up becoming pathetic losers and/or bitter - karma's a tough lady with a long memory!)

Love is more complex. I haven't mastered it, so my advice is more hints than rock solid: don't buy stocks in what I say. Love interest-wise, try to keep an open mind. Meaning, don't let yourself get stuck crushing on one type (especially if you know - and, you do know - they're not into you. Next!)

Which brings me to the "It Gets Better" idea/YouTube campaign. Yes, it does get better! But that might be a few years from now. What should you do in the meantime? (Especially if you live somewhere really small, and hostile to being a budding gay teen.)

I'd suggest finding a safe place to write about your ideal love (or, lovers - not everyone, gay or straight, ends up staying with the same person, and we don't, like I said about keeping an open mind, necessarily end up with who we expected.) Writing in a journal (or, creating a dance, or drawing a picture) is a fantastic way to recognize Them when it comes to sex, love and all that jazz. (And this is really important to create that possibility-of-love space if the world isn't giving you the opportunity date. You need to give yourself your own opportunity and space.)

Lastly, if you live in a place where it's safe - and I don't just mean emotionally, but physically - to come out, do it and seek out gay adults. But - ! - know it's most likely adults can help or guide you as mentors. They've already traveled your path and can be excellent guides on your journey.