is support for people with same-sex orientations. Some colleges and high schools in the United States now provide a more accepting environment for the establishment of support groups for gay and lesbian students. Nationwide, there are more than 3,000 Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) on middle school, high school, and college campuses (Warbelow, 2008). GSAs are clubs composed of both homosexual and heterosexual students who meet to exchange information, provide support to one another, and devise strategies for changing antihomosexual attitudes in their schools. While the establishment of these support groups is a welcome development, research indicates that public
teenagers march in the sixth annual Gay/Straight Youth pride March in Boston. Several thousand young people took part in the rally, demanding respect and declaring that their sexuality is their own business.
Sexuality During Childhood and adolescence
school districts across the United States are still largely remiss in addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students (Crary, 2010; Rienzo et al., 2006).
Internet chat rooms and message boards can be especially helpful sources of support and constructive information for gay, lesbian, and bisexual teenagers. In addition, in recent years homosexuality has become more visible and has been portrayed in a more positive light in the media. Several prominent entertainment and sports celebrities who have openly acknowledged their homosexuality are now available as potential role models. (See Chapter 9 for more detailed information about homosexuality and the media and the gay Internet community.) We hope that increasing societal acceptance of homosexuality, together with more positive role models and media portrayals, will help make this time of life easier for adolescents with homosexual orientations.