Hm, hi, i guess, I'm Darren and I've been really lonely these days, school just, you know, it sucks, my boyfriend just cheated on me and to finish my dad just have been hitting me again, and i would call, i really would do that, but my cell phone is block, and i am scary of what my mind is doing me think right now
Signed,
Darren, 16, Manhattan NY

Hi Darren,

 

Thank you for your letter. Please know, no one, not even your parents, has the right to abuse you physically or verbally. If you ever feel your safety is at risk, removing yourself from the threat, even on a temporary basis, is the best defense. If you ever feel a situation is turning abusive, finding a way to separate yourself from the abuser is well advised. You can go to a room and lock the door. If need be, you can call for assistance. Perhaps, you can develop a plan when the threat of abuse rises. You could make arrangements with a friend, or a trusted adult, to make contact and possible go to their place until the threat is diminished.

 

Darren, do you have a trusted adult, a teacher, a school counselor, or a close relative with whom you can confide? Having an ally will help immensely. Do not hesitate to contact Child Protective Services 1-800-342-3720. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. Your safety is paramount. Know, you can always call the Trevor lifeline at 1-866-4-U-Trevor, 24 hours 7 days a week. If you're phone is blocked, can you use someone else's phone? Could you make arrangements with a friend to call from their home? Could you talk to a teacher or school counselor to make your call from school?

 

High school can suck. But, high school is such a small part of your life. The world is a much larger place. Reaching out for suppotive communities can help you realize the breadth of the world beyond the halls of high school. Trevorspace, at www.trevorspace.org, is the Trevor Project's safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 their friends and allies. It's a great supportive community where you can connect with others who might have had or are having the same questions that you’re having about your sexuality, dating, and moving beyond cheating boyfriends.

 

Darren, you are experiencing a set of difficult situations. Remember, you are not alone. http://www.gaycenter.org/youth/resources This is a link to some LGBT youth resources in New York. Luckily, you live in a large metropolis. Take advantage of the resources in your area. Look for Drop-in Centers. You will be able to spend time in non-judgemental environments with other LGBTAIQ youth. You may want to consult these centers for counseling services regarding the violence in your home.