Back to School

This time of year always brings mixed emotions. It's never easy to watch the summer (and our vacation dreams) die. At the same time, even those who haven't seen the inside of a classroom in years still associate September with new beginnings. For gay and lesbian teens, back to school too often means back to exclusion, back to lies, and back to abuse. (As if proof were needed, check out the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network's fact sheet on gay and lesbian youth.) But it doesn't have to be that way. True, there may not be much we can do in the short term about the more deep-seated forms of homophobia. But there are ways of making high schools and colleges friendlier places for GLBT students, teachers, and staff. The biggest, most difficult step, of course, is coming out. Just identifying ourselves goes a long way toward creating an environment of tolerance and respect. Recent graduate Corey Johnson knows firsthand what it's like to come out to one's peers. (If you think you have it bad, try telling your entire football team you're gay!) Corey shares his experience and what he wishes he'd known before taking the plunge.
Someone else who knows a thing or two about being gay in school (for a straight person) is Betty DeGeneres, Ellen's mother and PlanetOut advice columnist. We've compiled some of our favorite Ask Betty questions from GLBT teens, along with Betty's always insightful responses. And since everything is easier with a little help from your friends, we've provided a list of guidelines for starting a gay/straight alliance at your school. Of course, coming out when you're on the other side of the classroom has its own set of issues. If you're a gay or lesbian educator, or know someone who is, check out GLSEN's coming-out tips for teachers. On the lighter side, to round out our back to school coverage, check out our list of the best queer youth movies. It's always nice to be reminded that others have been through the same thing -- and turned it into art!