Here’s How to Reach Groups That Help Gay and Lesbian Students Cope

Being different is never easy, especially for teen-agers. Gay and lesbian teen-agers have a rough time--and they tend to have significant social, academic, health and mental problems to show for it.

They can, for example, suffer from unusually low self-esteem because of shame at being homosexual or fear of being ostracized. They also can develop identity conflicts while denying or hiding their sexual orientation.

Alienation from family, friends and teachers is another trauma for many students who admit their homosexuality. Some are thrown out of their homes to live on the streets.

The social isolation gay and lesbian teens frequently encounter is also severe. With no one to help them, they are likely to turn to a variety of self-destructive ways to cope, including drugs or alcohol, dropping out of school, running away from home or suicide.

In fact, gay and lesbian teen-agers are two to six times more likely to attempt suicide than other youths, and they may account for 30% of completed teen suicides, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In recent years, some area schools have begun to help their gay and lesbian students avoid substance abuse, dropout and suicide.

The most lauded program is Project Ten, a support group that operates in 30 of the 50 Los Angeles Unified School District high schools.

But that leaves gay and lesbian students at other schools without access to needed support.

Here are, I think, some of the best local resources offering a variety of free services for young gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Telephone hot lines are an important resource. They offer the opportunity for youths to discuss problems with trained counselors anonymously.

The Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline, (213) 993-7475, takes calls from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Operators will answer questions on a range of topics and can refer callers to other needed services.

The Teen Line Cares hot line also handles gay and lesbian issues. It operates from 6 to 10 p.m. every day. The number is (310) 855-HOPE.

The Youth Crisis Hotline, (800) 448-4663, has the most convenient schedule: 24 hours a day, every day. And it is a free call from anywhere.

For advice on how to communicate with parents or other family members, you can’t beat Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

*

Although it is primarily a support group for gays’ and lesbians’ loved ones, PFLAG does offer workshops on how to “come out” to family members and free or inexpensive literature on the subject.

Call PFLAG’s local office at (213) 472-8952.

Project Ten can offer help to gay and lesbian teens even if their schools do not have a chapter. Schools with Project Ten groups that meet after school hours generally welcome students from elsewhere. To find the nearest chapter, call (818) 441-3382.

Many colleges and universities also have gay and lesbian student groups that welcome younger visitors. Call a nearby campus for meeting times.

Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS) is a glowing star in the gay and lesbian community because it is the country’s only licensed residential group home for gay and lesbian youths.

But GLASS is also useful to those who wish to remain in their homes. Among other services, it provides free counseling by licensed therapists. Call GLASS, (310) 288-1757, for a counseling appointment or other information.

*

The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center, (213) 933-7400, has by far the most extensive array of free or inexpensive services for gays and lesbians. Here is a sampling of programs geared to teen-agers and young adults:

* Rap groups--the center has six groups every week for ages 16 to 23.

* Walk-in (no appointment needed) counseling.

* Substance abuse counseling.

* Social events throughout the year.

* HIV education.

* Support groups for HIV-positive youths and their loved ones.

* Shelter for runaways, including food, clothing, job training and other assistance.

Teen-age males also are welcome at some of the center’s programs for adult men. For example, the Men’s Coming Out Rap meets every Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m.; the Men’s Exchange, L.A.’s longest-running gay and bisexual rap group, meets from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.

Call the center’s hot line for men’s activities, (213) 993-7445, to learn more.

For women, the available services are similarly extensive:

* Rap groups (15 to 20 per month) on a range of topics.

* The Lesbian Forum, which holds frequent panel discussions on various subjects.

* The Wellness Project, which presents information sessions on various health issues.

* The Business and Professional Women’s Alliance, which holds a different event every month.

* Frequent social and cultural events, such as museum tours, skiing, horseback riding and softball.

Call (213) 993-7443 to learn more about women’s activities at the center.

Finally, get an important publication that will lead you to a slew of other services and resources: the Gay and Lesbian Community Yellow Pages. Call (213) 469-4454 to find out where you can get a free copy.