Susan Gavitt Ginsky Resources

With, T.M. (1996, January 14). Gay, lesbian youth: Place is the issue. The Boston Globe, p. 1 and continued.

OVERVIEW

Massachusetts was the first state to ban discrimination against homosexual students in public schools. This legislation, passed in 1992 and still unparalleled in any other state, spurred the statewide growth of supportive gay and lesbian youth alliances in public schools. To date, there are 86 such alliances. The closest in ranking to Massachusetts is California, with 13.

The legislation was specifically designed to assist these types of support organizations. It has also facilitated the development of myriad service organizations for homosexual youth in and around Boston. Boston Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS) is one group cited. The program director is quoted in the article: " ‘GLASS is a place where kids don’t have to worry about "being faggy" or "too much like a girl". They can express their creativity without social limitations.’ "

The proliferation of these programs has been scrutinized by those segments of the community that do not support gay rights. While the article does not dwell on this conflict, it does address the struggle of mainstream service organizations to expand their services for homosexual youth. Serving 10,000 young people, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston are affected. Their chief operating officer admitted that sexual orientation is an area they have not been addressing. These clubs plan to address this "glaring" omission to provide a safe haven for homosexual youth.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How can you effectively use service organizations that exist in your area? What can you learn from them about counseling gay and lesbian youth? Would you refer young people to these groups?
2. How does your community (school, youth organization, or church) support gay and lesbian youth? Does your organization need a program for training your staff and developing this aspect of youth work in your agenda?

IMPLICATIONS

• Except for the Samaritans, there is a conspicuous absence of religious organizations in the narrative or the organization list in this article.
• Religious communities need to accept that homosexuality places youth at risk in our society. One third of suicides of young people are committed by homosexual youth. Churches should consider how they can provide an environment for homosexuals to worship without discrimination or harrassment.