I was well aware of my sexuality when I was about three years old. I say this because I remember having a crush on Erin Grey when she was in "Buck Rogers" and even at the tender young age of three I knew tat I couldn't talk to my parents about how I felt. It's amazing what children have a distinct sense of even at very young ages.

As I grew up, I often felt conflicted with the way I felt VS what I knew was expected of me. I think in most aspects, this type of internalized conflict is why some people wind up going out later in life. I believe that sexuality is pretty cut and dry yes, but I also believe that the pressure people feel to conform to what society claims is the "norm" and that is to try and act heterosexual.

The desire to be lived and loved is a strong one and for many teens be ostracized because they came out as gay or lesbian isn't on their list of things to do. I remember how I felt when I was outed my freshman yeah of high school. Every year after that I was harassed, bullied, beaten up, threatened, had vulgarities spray painted on my locker and notes stuffed in to my locker. I was chastised and attacked not just by students but by a member of the staff as well; it's easy to see why many people have such difficulty admitting their true feelings not only to themselves but to the people around them as well.

I was strong enough to survive my ordeal but unfortunately there are many people that do not. The majority of teen suicides in the US happen because the teen is struggling with sexual identity issues and they have no one to turn to or talk with. This is why it's so important that parents take the time to sit down and listen to their kids as well as for school systems to have in place a system which allows these students to meet, and discuss their feelings even if it's only with one another. In addition, the mental health industry needs to recognize the need for qualified therapists to help tackle the task at hand with young people dealing with the uncertainties of not just life but their sexual identity as well.

Schools should also be held accountable for the actions of their students as well as their staff. To have a gay or lesbian student that is being bullied, harassed and beaten up by their fellow students is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated by the administration. Disciplinary action should be taken against these types of students but even more importantly action should immediately be taken against any TEACHER or staff member that displays aggression or hostility toward a gay or lesbian student. To have our educators harassing these students is insufferable and should be dealt with swiftly!

Learn more about this author, Misty Cahal.
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