The way I see it, I could be wrong, but it tends to be older people who have such problems with homosexuality. As a society, we’re learning. Call me a delusional optimist, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I don’t have the eloquence to say properly anything else I would like to, so imagine it for yourselves =>
{{{Andy, Quietgirl, and Randomgirl}}}
I’ve read this thread several times looking for the right things to say. And aside from praising Andy for her wonderful willingness to help people who need it, I’m still at a loss. This is the sort of hateful situation that makes one cry to know it goes on, and yet how can one fix it?
Is there somewhere we could sign up if we were willing to take in on a temporary basis someone thrown out of their home like has been reported here? Are there other ways we can help? Does this phone line operation take middle-aged volunteers who care, too?
Let us all know what we can do.
I don’t understand how some families can react to this the way they do. Really. We (my mom, her husband, and I) are convinced that my sixteen-year-old brother is gay. He hasn’t actually said anything directly to any of us, but he has dropped some hints, and we’re hoping that he realizes that this really is perfectly okay with us, we don’t just act openminded.
Because, quite honestly, I’d be much more surprised to find out he ISN’T than if he IS. He’ll tell somebody when he’s ready. And if he is, and anybody ever tries to hurt him because of it, they will find my foot about eighteen inches up their ass, because he is my brother.
{{{{{Andigirl, Quietgirl, and Random Girl}}}}}
In all seriousness… I don’t really do so much to help. It’s not like a big noble thing. A lot of working with gay teenagers is just being there, listening, and serving as an example.
I’m attempting to make the gay youth column I write for my home paper be a little less local in an attempt at syndication. We’ll see how that goes.
YGS is an entirely email thing. However, as is the nature of non-profits, we’re broke.
Polycarp, as always, your grace impresses me. If you do want to offer yourself as a resource, the best thing to do is present yourself at a local level. There’s probably some sort of gay organization in your area or at least within the state, and I’m sure they would be more than thrilled at your offer.
Randomgirl’s update for the day is that she thinks they know, but nobody is mentioning anything. Nor will they. Par for the course, really.
Have I ever mentioned how much I really like you guys?
{{{{{GIRLS}}}}}
I understand a family being ripped apart. My family had its own issues that left behind a lot of battle scars, some wounds are still bleeding.
Best of luck to all three of you. Strength to all three of you. Lots and lots of hugs to all three of you.
{{{{{{andy, quietgirl, and randomgirl}}}}}}
…what Polycarp said…
Oh, my… I don’t know what to say here. My family certainly has its faults, but I am thankful that they would never reject me for being who I am. By the time I told my parents, they already knew. My sister knew I was gay before I realized it. I guess I’m just one of the lucky ones.
Maybe quietgirl’s family will come around, maybe not. It’s just so sad.
Random kid must be going through hell. She is lucky to have someone like you to talk to.
It tears my heart to think what some people will do to their own flesh and blood.
Yes, it is a big noble thing. You are a true hero.
I can’t do much more than pass on vaguely remembered information.
Poly, I recall reading about gay adolescents kicked out by their families (or at least running away because of terrible experiences, and how they were forcibly returned upon being apprehended by the law). A large portion of what I read was about a large, underfunded (or unfunded) network of people helping these youths. Offering your home as a sort of stop on a modern day underground railroad would probably be an incredible help.
I tell ya, Poly, you’re a great person.
hugs 
and I thought my mom telling me I was a slut after I got my first kiss a year ago was bad…
I’m in the process of coming out right now. Threads like this make me even more scared. It’s great to know that there are people in the world who care and are willing to help me if I need it. The sort of people who have posted in this thread. But when I think of all the ways my parents could react, I just want to crawl up inside myself and never let them know. I’ve only told my boyfriend and one of my bi friends that I’m bisexual. I’ve hinted to all my really good friends. I didn’t even truly admit it to myself until a few months ago. I feel like I need to tell my parents because it’s a part of who I am and I want them to understand me. I try to rationalize not telling them by convincing myself that it has absolutely no signifigance to them and they have no need to know, but it is important to me. I know they wouldn’t kick me out of the house or anything that radical, but things wouldn’t be the same and would be very, very painful for a long time. Things will work out eventually. They always do.
I’ll add a hug for Crispy {{{{{{{{{Crispy}}}}}}}}}}
I just hate that there is so much fear about gayness. I suppose if I had a child, I would want them to be straight just because it’s easier in this world. Wanting that, in itself, is a sad thing.
My father was a: gay, b: buggered by his churchgoing father until he was 14, and c: from a good ackk Catholic background. He never came to terms with any of those things before he died, and that is a sad thing too.
Hopefully the next couple of generations will change things.
Crispy-
Everyone’s family is different. I mean, I’ve known people whose parents have said, “Well, yeah, we figured. Did you finish washing the car?”
My tip is to not come out in a moving car. Trust me on this one. Also, avoid major holidays, arguments, and any place where weapons are readily availble. 
Coming out is one of those fine line things, if that makes any sense. Too early, and nobody’s ready to deal with it. After a point, though, waiting becomes like credit card bills. The longer you put it off, the more interest you pay. Yes, my analogies suck, but you get the point, I hope.
The most important thing- if you’re not ready, don’t do it. If it’s not safe, don’t do it.
Best of luck. And yes, things do tend to work out. Parents generally come around.
I’ll echo what Andy said. I too am in the process (well, it’s always a constant process really, it just gets easier with time). The big hurdle is my family. I think by now they would have figured it out ( i mean, come on, i never talk about girls, never show interest, and have never had a GF). Anyway, i’m pretty sure it wont be a big deal. Just from observing my family, it doesnt look like it’s at all a problem with them.
I agree it’s probably not best during holidays and big events, arguments, or places where you can get cut, or maimed :D. I wouldnt dare come out just before or at my brother’s wedding in August, or easter, or the other holidays. I prefer the one on one approach.It’s enough stress with holidays and family events to compound that with something like coming out.I’m also not one of the types to blow everyone away in one sitting and then watch the chaos ;).
I’m pretty sure for my family it will be shocking, but i’m sure they’ll get over it. I really must hand it to those who come out in their teens. I know for damn sure i was not at all ready then, and I applaud gay teenagers who do come out, for the great amount of bravery it takes (especially because teens can be quite horrible about such things). Especially to those who come out to families and friends and communities where the people arent very or at all accepting.
For me in college, it’s a pretty safe environment to come out to friends. None of them had any problem with it at all. They were all quite accepting (I said this before), but one of my friends was dissapointed I wasnt truthful at first (she understands why i didnt say sooner though). Of course, you cant go back, so you have to take what you get and move on.
I’ve also chatted with a 16 year old guy who emailed me for advice. I was quite happy for him. he asked me if he should come out to his friends. I told him i couldnt tell him that, and he’d have to decide for himself. I dont know if he did or not. He’s come out to one friend, but he says half are accepting, the other half are pretty much homophobes (as with many teens, he didnt want to lose his circle of friends). I dont know if he did. He hasnt sent me an email giving me an update. I do hope it went well with him.