What can I do for support? Now. before you answer the question, this is what you have to know: I will not do the following : a) talk to a school counselor b) I will not talk to my parents because they will kill me c) I will not tell friends d) I will not call any help line because I am a shy person and do not want to talk to anybody who isn’t in my position or isn’t a physician such as a therapist.



I cannot talk to a therapist because in order for me to do that I would have to give my parents a reason which I am not planning to do. I cannot tell a sibling because my brother is not exactly against homosexuals but he would treat me differently , as if I were a disgrace to the family. Thank you very much, and if you feel that there is nothing you can do to help me please do tell me ... note: my parents will not actually kill me but they’d probably get a divorce.
Signed,
eddy, 14, north hollywood CA
Dear Eddy,

Well, gee, Eddy, you’ve kind of tied our hands, here! It sounds like you aren’t willing to do anything that might be uncomfortable or challenging for you or is at all threatening. And it is certainly your right to make that decision. But it will likely mean that you will remain stuck in your present situation for the time-being.

You say you won’t call a helpline because you’re a shy person (though, given all the effort you’ve put into telling us what you WON’T do, you sure don’t seem to be hesitant about asserting yourself! J). What this suggests to me is that, at this point in your life, not challenging your shyness is more important to you than obtaining any relief regarding your sexual orientation concerns. At some point, perhaps the pain of hiding who you are will overcome your insecurity about putting yourself out there. At that point, I hope you’ll give our helpline a call. They’ll be waiting for you.

Trevor