Dear jimmy8903,

This sounds like a really tough situation. In our society there is a lot of homophobia — fear and hatred of people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual. It is caused by ignorance, or other kinds of misinformation and lack of understanding about what gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are really like.

While coming out — telling people you're gay — can be a great experience for teens who have support from their families and communities, it sounds like you may not have this kind of acceptance. If coming out means that you risk losing your place in the family and its emotional and financial support, you may need to wait until you can find a way to support yourself. You should also think about whether coming out could put you in any physical danger.

In the meantime, the Web site OutProud.org has information, resources, and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender teens who are coming out or thinking of coming out. Good luck.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.