Being LGBT as an adult is hard enough as it is. Being an LGBT youth is even harder. For many teens, such as myself and the other young LGBT people I know who are still attending, or have just graduated high school, being out as 'gay' in school was, and is, tough. For many of us, the discrimination and 'second class citizen' attitude we face almost daily started in high school. Discrimination, bullying, name calling and humilitiation are only some of the things that many of us have faced from our experiences at school. However, there is always a bright side to every story. 

Recently, at Open Doors Youth Service, I participated in a bullying workshop run by the fabulous Heidi. During this workshop, we discussed, and saw, just how many of us were affected or suffered discrimination, bullying and negative attitude for being out, or different during our time at school. In particular, one young person's story, who shall not be named, shared his story of being an openly out trans-man at school. He told us of how he used to inflict self injury and suffer self-esteem issues due to bullying and discrimination. During his story, it was amazing to see that he never let anything get to him and he always kept his head held high. He is now living happily together with supportive friends and is looking forward to his future. His story can be used as a beacon of hope proving that happiness is yours if you just keep on persisting and find a supportive network of family and friends and try to keep strong.

 Being out in school can be difficult. There is always going to be that one person who hates you for being different to the 'social norm'. However, times are changing and it is great to see LGBT youth feeling comfortable enough to be  coming out at a younger age. Unfortunately though it is still common to hear of discrimination, bullying or general negativity from other students or even staff. Some useful tips include coming out to a supportive teacher who you trust, establishimg a network of supportive and accepting friends, family and other adults as well as doing activities you love when faced with negativity, such as exercising, playing games, reading or writing books/poems/songs and much more. It will be tough, but trust me when I say that it is worth it in the end. Just hang in there and it will always get better. In the meantime, if you feel you need support, contact Open Doors and we will be more then happy to help you.

Also, if you wish to donate to Open Doors Youth Service please visit our website or email coordinator@opendoors.com.au for more information.