What All Gay Teens Need to Know

Lawrence King was the victim of homophobia: an 8th grader who was shot and killed by another student at school. King's tragic death highlighted the risk gay teens take by coming out.

Matthew Shepard was a college student at the University of Wyoming. October 6, 1998 Matthew was attacked by two men he met at a bar. After severely beating him, they left Matthew tied to a fence in the town of in Laramie, where the assault occurred. Matthew died at a hospital shortly after and has become a symbol of the horrors of homophobia.

Emo refers to a style of music. But more and more often, the term emo is used as a code for gay, and not in a positive way. In fact, there are even websites selling t-shirts that say things like, "Parental Advisory: Emo is Gay."

There's a lot of talk about internet safety, and young gay teens should pay particular attention! That's because according to an article published in "American Psychologist" boys who are gay or are questioning their sexuality may be more susceptible to Internet-initiated sex crimes than other populations.

The Boy Scouts of America do not allow gay troop leaders or scouts in their organization. It is important for them to hear that this is unacceptable discrimination.

Delta Lambda Phi is the only gay fraternity in the United States. Membership is open to gay, bisexual, and progressive straight men.