Youth Out United
 What is a homosexual? |
According to Webster's dictionary, a homosexual is defined as "of having sexual desires for those of the same sex" Society however, has defined gays and lesbians by what they do in bed. Just as heterosexuals are not completely judged or defined by their sexuality, neither should homosexuals. Gay people come from all races, religions, economic conditions, and areas of the world. They are our neighbors, friends, relatives, schoolmates, and coworkers.
1 in 10 people is believed to be gay!
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Being gay is not an illness. In 1974 the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disturbances. Since being gay is not an illness or disease, it has and needs no "cure."
How do you know if you are gay?
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Not suprisingly, there is no easy answer to this question. Some people know that they are gay at an early age, while others don't know or don't acknowledge their feelings until they are adults. Because of changes in hormonal structure, adolescence is a time of conflicting sexual and emotional feelings. Your sexual feelings may be so strong that they are not directed toward any particular persons or situations, but seem to emerge without case. You may not know what to call your sexual feelings. There is no rule that says you have to decide right now. In time you will discover what is right for you. It is a common misconception that sexual orientation is a choice, when instead it is something that is discovered. The key is to keep yourself healthy and safe. Finding people to trust and for guidance is crucial. You are not alone.
What Now?
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The slogan "gay is good" can have a hollow ring if you are young and struggling with your identity. You can't imagine gay being good while feeling shame and guilt. It takes a lot of energy to deny your feelings and it can be costly. Working this hard to conceal your thoughts and feelings is called "being in the closet." It is a painful and lonely place to be, even if you stay in there to survive. Many gay, lesbian and transgender young people believe that they are alone; that he or she is the only person, that they know, who is gay. Unfortunately we lose many of our gay youth to self-destructive acts. It does not have to end this way. There is an entire community of gay and gay friendly people out there to support you!
Homosexuals are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, and aunts. They are lawyers, police officers, carpenters, and teachers. They are the people who live next door , the people you see in school, and the people you work with. Essentially... they are just like everybody else.
Yes, there is help.
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Groups have formed across the nation to help young people come to terms with their feelings. In the Hampton Roads area, a group called Youth Out United is available.
Youth Out United (Y.O.U.) was started in an abandoned warehouse in 1988 by young people who wanted a place where they could meet, and talk about things that concerned them, with members of their own peer group. In 1998 Y.O.U. was "adopted" by the Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce as part of its AIDS prevention efforts. Y.O.U. is a support group that provides social and support activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people ages 13-25 who are coming to terms with their affectional orientation. Y.O.U. offers a safe place to talk about things you may not feel comfortable discussing with others. It is a place where you can be you. TACT also offers RAYN as a safe outlet in our community. RAYN is an empowerment program for gay & bisexual guys 13-25. RAYN provides fun social events, support networks, & unrestricted sessions on relationships and safer sex. For more information contact the RAYN Coordinator (Jerome) or (Rico) at (757) 583-1317 ext. 30.
Friendly Places
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- TACT: 9229 Granby St. Norfolk, (757) 583-1317
- Naro Cinema: 1507 Colley Ave. Norfolk, (757) 625-6276
Papers & Publications
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Organizations & Groups
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- PFLAG: (757) 588-6552
- National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437)
- National Gay & Lesbian Hotline: 1-888-843-4565
- TACT: (757) 583-1317 http://www.tact-online.com
- Virginia AIDS Hotline: 1-800-533-4148
- HIPS Hotline (For Adolescent Prostitutes): 1-800-676-4477
- National Gay & Lesbian Youth Hotline: 1-800-347-TEEN (8336)
- National Runaway Switchboard (Adolescent Crisis Line): 1-800-621-4000
- TEENS TAP (Teens Teaching AIDS Prevention): 1-800-234-TEEN (8336)
- The Teen AIDS Hotline: 1-800-440-TEEN (8336)
Spiritual Support
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- All God's Children Community Church: (757) 480-0911
- New Life MCC: (757) 362-3056
On-line Resources
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For more information contact a Y.O.U. advisor at (757) 583-1317 ext. 30
