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| VT M4M.net Youth: for those under 25 |
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"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one's definition of your life, define yourself." -Harvey Fierstein
A recent study, conducted in Vermont and Massachusetts, found that gay teenagers who are routinely taunted
in and out of the classroom are at high risk for taking drugs, having unsafe sex or attempting suicide,
while gay teens who don't face this type of abuse are no more likely to engage in these risky behaviors than
their straight peers. Teen years aren't easy for anyone, and can be very difficult for youth who are questioning and/or identify as gay, bisexual or transgender. It's important then to find a safe space where you can be who you need to be. Outright Vermont offers a variety of programs for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) and questioning youth, up to age 22, as well as their parents and friends. Some Vermont high schools and colleges also offer programs for GLBT youth as well. Be sure to check out the regional resources There are lots of myths out there about what it means to be gay, bisexual or transgender. The fact is, most people who are G B or T lead productive and successful lives. To learn more about separating fact from myth. HIV and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are major issues for youth, particular those who are gay, bisexual or transgender. Vermont statistics for 2001 show that 44% of all gonorrhea and 63% of all chlamydia cases in Vermont men, occurred in those less than 25. In addition, men who have sex with men (MSM) and are under 25 are among the most at risk for contracting HIV. While there are some effective treatments that can cure some of the STDs, there is no cure for HIV, herpes or HPV (the virus that causes genital warts, which can lead to cancer). Therefore, it's important that you understand safer sex and practice it if you are choosing to be sexual. New guidelines recently issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that MSM should be screened annually for HIV if they are either uninfected or do not know their HIV status. Such men should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Hepatitis is another issue for MSM. If you haven't been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, consider doing so, as this virus can be transmitted through sexual activity. Hepatitis C, if contracted through activities like needle sharing or even sex, will not clear in 85% of those who become infected. There is no vaccination for this form of hepatitis. It can not only create major health problems for you in the future, but it can possibly lead to complete liver failure. While there is treatment for HCV, it is not an easy regiment and is not always successful. Another health issue, which you may not know about, is testicular cancer. This strikes younger men, 15-35. Learning how to do the testicular exam, and performing it monthly, could save your life. Because of the negative messages GLBT youth are often subjected to, it's not surprising that drugs and alcohol and mental health issues are common. It helps to talk to someone, so pick up the phone and call toll free Outright VT at 1-800-GLB-CHAT or the VT Teen Crises line at 1-800-639-6095. Regional Resources
National Resources
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Last Modified: October 1, 2003.
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