Flashing lights, thumping bass, pounding hearts, and the reflections of crystal meth. The reflections aren't just those of the crystal, but the reflections of those using it. The scene is all too common in gay and lesbian environments, and dangerously common in gay youth. What makes the gay society, and the youth of such a group, so prone to use such substances? Is it the easily altered mind of youth that starts this trend, or is it the fact that society pushes gays away? The issue is just as pertinent today as it is for tomorrow. .
Approximately forty percent of gay men are addicted to drugs. Twenty percent of this population could be classified as young adults . According to the Pride Institute, it has been estimated that one out of every three gays and lesbians struggles with chemical dependency every day. In a study of 218 gay and bisexual youth (ages 14-25), 41.3 percent had used a non-prescription drug and 38.5 percent had used alcohol . Males reported a higher use rate among both substances. The facts show that there is prevalent usage among the homosexual community with regard to alcoholism and drug abuse. This leads us to question why the facts are so. .
Homophobia in our society has limited the opportunities for gays and lesbians to meet each other safely. Clubs and bars are primary gathering places for gay groups. Statistically, clubs and bars have a high rate of drug and alcohol use. At the same time, these establishments promote a glamorous and guilt-free lifestyle. It is an "anything goes" attitude, and it is all too easy for people to become entangled in the scene. The younger years constitute a point when more mature social skills and habits are formed. At a time in life when minds are so easily altered, this behavior is seen as a gateway to acceptance and can lead to a pattern of future behaviors.
Society often tends to outcast those that are different. As gay children grow, they are blasted with ideas of worthlessness and rejection.
Gay teenagers in high school have to face homophobic teenagers everyday. In many cases of homophobia, gay teenagers lose their friends and family. ... A 17-year-old teenager told his parents that he was gay. ... (SSCWS) If gay teenagers fear coming out in today's society, is it society keeping these teenagers in the closet? Most people teach their kids to harass gay teenagers. ...
In this day and age it is very difficult to just be a teenager. ... Drugs are made readily available to kids today. ... Drugs are something some children are faced with everyday. ... Peer pressure is one of the main reasons people try drugs. ... That does not make you gay nor does it make you any less of a man or woman. ...
Experts part of the US Food and Drug Administration, estimate that 750,000 American adolescents suffer from depression and 500,000 attempt suicides every year. 1,700 young individuals succeed. ... What factors are involved in this epidemic of suicides among teenagers? ... The national push to raise academic standards and hold schools more accountable for their students" performance, has placed new pressures on teenagers. ... No teenager is safe from suicide, yet many schools ignore its importance and the school's role in creating a healthy environment for students. ... Family issues ...
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance against Defamation, GLAAD, has frequently protested Eminem. ... With their rational, Eminem tells a story about how a teenager drives off a bridge; children will obviously start driving off bridges. ... He raps about being bullied, experimenting with drugs, and girlfriend/marital problems. An average, working/middle class teenager has gone through many similar situations in idea, if not in degree. ... Rex Wockner, a gay journalist for Planetout.com wrote, "Maybe the gay and lesbian community should thank Eminem - after all, everyone's talking about us, every...
(Bridget) Sexual orientation is not a choice, individuals do not choose whether they are homosexual or heterosexual, although lifestyle choices and sexual behaviors are a choice for all teenagers regardless of sexual orientation. ... Just like a heterosexual teenager would take precautions with sexual activities and whether or not they are ready to engage in them, homosexuals do the same. ... Focusing on the positive aspects of being gay as opposed to focusing on the discrimination, fears, and myths about gays in society is necessary for self-acceptance. ... Other coping strategies include d...
With the popularity of shows like "Will and Grace-, which feature leading gay characters, as well as "Dawson's Creek- and its supporting character of teenager Jack McPhee, we are slowly seeing gay and lesbian characters creeping into the mainstream media. ... It deals with topics from underage sex, drug abuse, gay and lesbian parenting which are all captivating. ... Well, those masses include gays and lesbians too. ... Getting To Know You: Sitcoms Field Gay Characters. ... When Gay Men Happen To Straight Women. ...
For instance, Holden has "an unsuccessful encounter with a hotel prostitute, is informed by an older male friend about the omnipresence of predatory gay males, and ponders frequently his virginal state- (Simmons 3). ... Salinger uses clever mockery to illustrate how inane teenagers act over materialistic objects. ... Many hold that banning a few books will prevent adolescents from being introduced to drugs and sex. Youths, however, are confronted with drugs, alcohol, and all of society's depravities far earlier than high school. ... But the very books that teach teenagers valuable les...
Teenagers across America first accepted Presley as one of them' and quickly made the music their lifestyle as soon as Presley's first hit came out, "That's Alright Mama-. ... The drug messages were seen provocatively by many. ... The novel just shows how intense the drugs got to the rock band and all the fun the bands had with the drugs. ... Drug usage during the nineteen-sixties surged high. ... Drugs were affecting many rock stars also. ...
Filled with sex, drugs and homework, high school molds and twists teenagers into the people they will be, adults. ... Charlie tells of his past, which molded him into the emotionally and bipolar teenager that he has become. ... Being an adolescent in the 90's is very trying for teenagers. ... And the pressure of following the crowd began to enter teenager's minds. ... And when Gay people come to there parents they can be accepted for who they are or they can be shunned, disowned and beaten by the people that were supposed love and care for them. ...
