It is hard for me to say this but I think I'm gay or bi and this scares me. I don't want to make my family hate me but I want to live happy and not live my life with a person I dont love. I write this because I think about giving up school friends and life. I know God does not like us kind of people but some times I have no one to talk to a night and I get scared so if you have any tips on helping plz help.
Signed,
Questioning, 18, Puyallup WA

Thank you so much for contacting us. We understand how scary it can be to realize that your sexual orientation—a very important part of who we all are—may be something that many people, including family and friends, may not understand and may even condemn. But please know that this is not something you are “doing” to your family or to anyone else. You are not obligated to live your life based on what other people might want for you—no matter how much they may love and want the best for you.

If you are gay or bi, it is simply one (important) aspect of who you are: it does not make you a bad person, a sinner or mentally ill. We realize that many members of the religious community will tell you that God hates homosexuals, but there are also many, many religious leaders who believe that God loves all people: what’s important is what is in your heart, not what you do in bed or with whom you do it.

Please do not give up on your school, your friends, or especially your life! If you haven’t already, please call our toll-free helpline (1-866-4-U-TREVOR) right away. You will be able to talk to an understanding person who can help you sort through these issues. There are plenty of other young people, just like yourself who are going through (or have gone through) many of the things you are going through. You are not alone. Please call our helpline.