According to various surveys and research it is estimated that there are 24,000 GLBT adolescents over the age of 11 who are in out-of-home care.  78% of gay youth and those thought to be gay report being teased or bullied in school, and faculty intervene to stop this abuse only 3% of the time.  28% drop out of high school because of verbal and physical abuse.  Half of families with GLBT children reject them after they child comes out: 26% are forced by faimily members to leave often resulting in youth becoming homeless with a high exposure to becoming a prostitute or to substance abuse.


Helping professionals working with youth have a special responsibility to understand the dynamics of sexual discovery and the need for GLBT youth to have a safe and accepting environment to develop their identity. 

Youth