Growing up is hard. Growing up gay is even tougher.
“Teens in general are struggling with their identity, and gay teens have another whole layer of issues to deal with,” said Melbourne psychologist Vicki Panaccione. “Teens usually reach out to each other for support. Because gay teens are unsure of their sexual identity, they are less likely to reach out.”
“They don’t feel they can go to their parents or clergy. What I find (with the gay teens I have worked with) is that they feel alone. And if a student hasn’t developed a relationship with their (teachers or) guidance counselor prior to this issue, they tend to not take it to anyone in the school.”
As published in Florida Today.
© MMVI Vicki Panaccione, Ph.D.
Tags: gay, gay teenagers, gay teens, identity, silence, struggle
