Being a teenager isn't easy and being a gay teen is even more difficult. It is often harder than being a straight teen because of the stigma many still attach to being gay as well as the teen often having a feeling of being alone, not knowing where to turn for support, and the social issues surrounding being gay. Puberty and the years following are riddled with questions, doubts, fears, and a general feeling of awkwardness for everyone going through this period of life gay or straight. As gay teens are a small minority of the population it can be difficult for them to find friends who are gay as well that understand the unique issues they face when trying to deal with and understand these concerns. As having a normal social life with ones peers is essential to healthy development what is a gay teen to do?

Ideally teens should have an eclectic blend of friends from all walks of life, but gay teens in particular have certain unique needs that can only be filled by networking within the gay teen community. Often times it is difficult to talk to friends, parents, teachers, or anyone in general about certain concerns if they are not gay. They want to feel comfortable discussing issues of dating and sexuality as well as having the input of people that have "Been there/Done that" when it comes to these topics.

For many kids the Internet is a popular resource for networking especially considering it allows the ability to be out and discuss issues with their peers with the feeling of relative safety and anonymity. It isn't unusual for kids these days to be out "Virtually" (On line but not to their personal acquaintances) before coming out to friends and family. This is a great resource if the venue that is being used is chosen wisely as it allows for some form of social contact and can provide answers to questions and concerns from other gay teens. It can also keep them apprised of area events that allow for the opportunity to meet other local gay teens. The downside is the potential for predators posing as teens to lure youth into unsafe situations (The same is true in the heterosexual community I must point out) or that sometimes the group is made of of people too far away for a teen to actually meet.

One of the best places to connect locally is through Gay Straight Alliance groups (GSA) or organizations like PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) or any number of slowly growing school based organizations now appearing in many high schools

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