1. Fostering Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender Youth

2. Definition of Terms Gender Identity Sexual Behavior Sexual Orientation Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Know Your Own Beliefs Stereo-types, Myths and Misunderstanding The “Cause” Nature vs. Nurture The “Cure” Religion Reparative Therapy Treatment vs. Self- Acceptance Parental Support Agenda Depression/Suicidal Tendencies  Signs and Symptoms  Effects of Teen Depression  Suicide Warning Signs in Teens  Tips for Talking to Depressed Teens Substance Abuse Homelessness Anti-Gay Violence HIV Friends Support  For You  For Them Misconception of Agreement

7. Lesbian A woman who feels romantically, emotionally, and sexually attracted to other women; a descriptive and socially acceptable label that homosexual women often prefer because it offers an identity separate from that of homosexual men; a term originating from Lesbos, an Aegean island and the home of the Greek poet Sappho, a woman who loved women.

8. Gay Persons who feel romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to the same sex; a term used to proclaim self-acceptance and self- affirmation. The term ‘gay’ is often used to describe both men and women.

9. Bi-sexual Persons who feel emotional and sexual attraction for both sexes.

10. Transgender Persons who’s gender identity (self- identification as woman, man, neither or both) not matching one's assigned sex (identification by others as male, female or intersex based on physical/genetic sex). Transgender does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual.

15. Myths, Stereo-types, and Misunderstanding

16. Myth: You can always tell homosexuals by the way they look or act. Men who act in a feminine manner must be gay. Masculine women with short haircuts and deeper voices must be lesbians.

17. Myth: Homosexuals never marry. Therefore, people who never marry are homosexual. Likewise, people who marry and have children can be presumed to be heterosexual.

18. Myth: Homosexuals are all undersexed; homosexuals are all oversexed. (It's heard both ways.)

19. Myth: Recently the number of homosexuals has increased tremendously.

20. Myth: Homosexuals are constantly trying to convert straight people to homosexuality..

21. Myth: If you are not heterosexual, you are homosexual.

22. Myth: Homosexuals are more likely to molest children.

23. Myth: Homosexuality is linked with problems in a child's relationship with parents, such as a domineering or possessive mother and an ineffectual or hostile father.

24. Myth: Homosexuality involves a fear or hatred of people of the other sex, leading individuals to direct their sexual desires toward members of their own sex.

25. Myth: Homosexuality is caused when children were victimized, seduced, molested or sexually assaulted by an adult homosexual. There is no biological basis for homosexuality.

26. Myth: Homosexuality is a mental disorder.

27. Myth: Homosexuality is a choice.

29. The “Cause” Nature vs. Nurture

31. The “Cure” Religion Reparative Therapy Treatment vs. Self-Acceptance

38. Depression/Suicide

39. "I always knew that I was gay. I also remember seeing heterosexual couples and knowing that I wasn't like them. I would get very depressed about not being like other kids. Many times I would take a kitchen knife and press it against my chest, wondering if I should push it all the way in," said Alex, a 14-year-old gay youth.

40.  Sadness or hopelessness  Irritability, anger, or hostility  Tearfulness or frequent crying  Withdrawal from friends and family  Loss of interest in activities  Changes in eating and sleeping habits  Restlessness and agitation  Feelings of worthlessness and guilt  Lack of enthusiasm and motivation  Fatigue or lack of energy  Difficulty concentrating  Thoughts of death or suicide

41. Effects of Teen Depression Problems at School Running Away Drug and Alcohol Abuse Low Self-esteem Internet Addiction Reckless Behavior Violence

42. Suicide Warning Signs in Teenagers Talking or joking about committing suicide Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.” Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”) Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury Giving away prized possessions Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for the last time Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves

43. Tips for Talking to a Depressed Teen Offer Support. Be Gentle but Persistent. Listen without Lecturing. Validate Feelings..©Helpguide.org. Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Suzanne Barston, Greg Boose, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: January 2013.

44. Substance Abuse

48. Homelessness

49. Why are so many LGBT youth becoming homeless?

50. What impact does homelessness have on LGBT youth specifically?

51. Mental Health Issues

52. Substance Abuse

53. Risky Sexual Behavior

54. Victimization of Homeless LGBT Youth

55. LGBT Homeless Youth and the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems

56. ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE

57. Strong Connections and Open Communication Safe Schools Gay-Straight Alliances

61. Create a supportive environment Educate parents, students, school personnel and community and health professionals Develop a sense of community by becoming involved with LGBT related organizations Engage LGBT role models as identifiable supports and mentors for gay youth Maintain firm boundaries and clear limits against any slurs or abusive words or actions Distinguish between simplistic and negative media stereotyping and supportive films, TV, newspaper articles and music portraying LGBT relationships in a real and thoughtful way Construct language that elicits acceptance and understanding of LGBT issues and expresses equality.