I am 17 and I am open about my sexuality. I live in a rather small, conservative town and I don't know that many gay people. Since I am under 18, I can't use many of the dating sites and I can't travel long distances. How can I find people my age and around me???
You may have to be patient. You don't have too many choices right now. Just concentrate on studying hard to get a good education. You will have plenty of time to find other guys. I know you may hate to hear this, but the fact is that you live in a small town and you are under-age. All you can do right now is to use your computer and the internet to learn as much as possible. You can do the chat rooms and other fun things online. Once you are older and you are on your own, you will be able to go to places where gay men may hang out, like gyms, restaurants or gay bars (if any in your town.) Maybe some day, you will be able to move to a city where you can meet other gay men. Meanwhile, here are some links that may help you keep in touch with other teens:
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/1947.html
- Child and Adolescent Health.
http://www.youthresource.com/
- A project of advocates for youth.
http://www.youth.org/
- A safe space online to be Yourself.
http://www.outproud.org/
- The National Coalition for GLBT Youth.
http://www.mogenic.com/
- The freedom to exchange ideas.
http://www.ngltf.org/
- National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
http://www.puberty101.com/
- Ask questions and get honest open answers about puberty
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/
- Fight for Your Right to Comprehensive Sex Ed.
Good luck!
