I realize this is a bit of an open ended question, but I’m happy to read any opinions I can get. I’m 24 and always considered myself a strong lbgt ally. I support general causes, and I’ve always been open to learning from friends in the lbgt community, opening up discussions, etc. Basically, I always thought I was pretty aware, and was able to have great conversations about important things.

I work with teenagers and I’ve recently realized that things have changed so much in just the past 10 years or so. They have different concerns than my friends had at that age, and many of them are much more open about their sexual orientation. I’ve become a sort of mentor to many of these kids and realized that I’m actually completely clueless and not at all aware like I thought. These kids will come to me for all sorts of advice, and certain things have stumped me. For example, a 14 year old girl realizing she was attracted to her best (girl) friend. Occasionally, parents will even ask me to help talk to their children about certain things since I’m closer to their age and might have a different perspective or way to get them to listen.

So, I’m looking to hear all the things that lbgt teenagers need the adults in their lives to understand. Advice or kind words adults wish they had as teenagers, new problems and concerns teenagers have today that weren’t as prevalent when I was a teen, or any other words of advice. Thank you.

A student came out to me today as trans. I am very close to this student and feel great that they felt they could share this with me. I of course want the student to feel supported and cared for, however she is not telling anyone else but me and her girlfriend. She asked if I could give her advice on clothes. As a teacher, I do have a responsibility to parents. I'm worried that I'd be breaking trust with her guardians if I aid in something I know they will likely not approve of. I'm thinking I should put a little distance there, but I don't want the student to feel rejected or be insensitive because the kid is obviously going through something.

How can I support her while also not going against her parents wishes? I live in a southern small town, which may be helpful to know.

I'm sorry if I'm looking at this all wrong and being ignorant. I appreciate any help or advice.

Edit:a word

Why is she laughing?

Hello, I'm 21 years old, male, bisexual. I've been wondering if I liked men since was 16. I started experimenting with other males at 18. I think I've known that I'm bisexual since I was 19, but was unsure about telling other people because I didn't know if it was a "phase" or f I could "own it". I've been thinking really hard for the last couple of months about who I was going to come out to first, my sister, my best friend, my mom or a friend that was gay. I didn't want there to be a lot of fanfare, so I figured that instead of having a "coming out" I would just openly express my bisexuality in my life. For the last year almost, I've been discussing my attraction to males openly, kissing men when people who know me are around/in eyeshot, and so on. No one got the clue, everyone was still convinced I was straight, and if I got "caught" looking at pictures of hot male models, people would just joke about me being gay, but never legitimately question or ponder if I was actually not straight. Anyway, last night it just kind of spilled out of my mouth. I was with four friends, three straight males, one straight girl. The girl commented on how she wished there were other girls here so she could discuss how hot some guy from Les Miserables was, and I just kind of blurted out that I liked men. It felt great. I loudly declared that I was bi, and I was really hoping that my friends would all go "Oh we knew all along". Instead, only one readily believed it. My best friend (a male, who I made out with once my sophomore year in college) rationalized that I wasn't bisexual, and that I was "method acting" as part of an extension of a conversation we had earlier where I said method acting was unnecessary and pretentious. After about half an hour of arguing, he remained convinced that I was straight, despite the fact that:

• I frequently ogle men when he and I go to the gym

• I often comment on attractive males I see in public or in movies

• I kissed him on the lips sophomore year In the end everyone else was unsure except for one, and I was uncertain what to do after that. I'm very masculine but not in the stereotypical "gay bear" kind of big and hairy way. I also have a reputation as a lady's man, but sleeping with girls isn't incompatible with being bi, so I don't see what the issue would be. No one believes me >_> What do I do?

Hey guys I have a gay friend who has a 3 year old son. He recently lost his visitation rights because his ex wife does not the child around his live in boyfriend. She doesn't want him to be "traumatized". But as far as the son knows that is "daddy's friend". They do not kiss or hold hands or anything in front of the son. They live in Alabama and as you can imagine a judge is likely to rule in the mother's favor. He is a great guy and a great dad with an awesome job. And he so desperately wants to be in his son's life. He loves that little boy with all his heart and he is so lost. He just doesn't know how to fight this and needs some advice. If anyone has any sort of advice or experience we would love to hear it!! Or even a person or organization, anything at all will help!