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Why
Gay Teens are at a greater risk...
Boyfriends?
Girlfriends? It's
all many young people can think
about. The adolescent years are
when most start feeling sexually
attracted to other people, and
for some, that attraction is not
necessarily for members of the
opposite sex. If you think you
might be attracted to someone of
the same gender (same sex) there
are tons of things to consider.
One that might not be really high
on your list is sexually transmitted
infections (STIs).
Gay teens
deal with feelings of being different,
rejection, not fitting in, and so many other things. Safer sex is
probably not even on the brain. If you are struggling with coming
out to your family and friends, you probably aren't thinking about
how to talk about safer sex with a potential partner.
Questions like, "Where
can I get condoms?"
"How do I use them?" "How do I convince my boyfriend
to use them?" "Why do I need to use them?" can
seem quite overwhelming.
Plus, there's
the fact that there are relatively
few role models for gay and lesbian
teens, and little specific
information on STIs among gay
teens. That doesn't make STI
and HIV prevention seem like
an important issue. But, think
for a minute. Some estimates
suggest that one in five HIV-positive
men were apparently infected during their adolescent years
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1995). Also,
one in four sexually experienced teens has an STI (American
Social Health Association, 1999).
So, you're
wondering what to do...check
out the information throughout
this site. There are helpful
hints on things like how to talk
about condoms (with anybody),
safer sex information, STI information and even help if
you just aren't sure what you want to do yet.
Wanna read
about other gay, lesbian and
transgender teens? Click here. ????
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