Letter: Gay teenagers

I want to commend Steve Chapman on his intelligent and sensitive journalism in "Gay students get bashed, again" (Commentary, Feb. 17). I am the mother of two gay children who were both deeply closeted in high school for fear of ridicule and verbal and/or physical attack.

Sexual minority youth often feel unsafe at home, in the community or in school because they are targets of prevailing anti-gay attitudes. Because these youth can themselves internalize society's negative feelings, they are at risk for dropping out, drug abuse and, tragically, suicide.

Every child deserves a safe place for proper emotional and social development. All too frequently, children of different sexual orientations have no one to turn to because of a misinformed and discriminatory society. At times, not only peers but adult role models are the perpetrators of verbal or physical abuse.

To parents who fear their children will be "recruited," I say this: Would someone have been able to change the object of your affections when you were a teen?

I firmly believe that every high school in America should be required to support a Gay-Straight Student Alliance. Teens with different sexual orientations need a place to meet others like themselves, discuss their feelings and receive support in our misinformed, homophobic and discriminatory society.

- Donna J. Blaha, Board member PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Glenview chapter [Donna441@aol.com]

Return to P.E.R.S.O.N. Project Home Page