Due to current societal pressures and expectations, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (GLBTQ) youth in Vermont are at a significantly greater risk. The Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Study found that GLB youth are:

• more than four times more likely to attempt suicide
• nearly seven times more likely to have been threatened or injured with a weapon in a Vermont public school.
• twice as likely to use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and inhalants -- and more than ten times as likely to have used cocaine.
• almost three times more likely to have been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant.

• low self-esteem
• depression
• dropping out of school
• unsafe sexual behavior
• homelessness

The issues facing GLBTQ youth need to be addressed with repect and understanding. Youth Aware offers information in a way that supports each individual's level of comfort and awareness. We also work to reduce the isolation that comes with living in such a rural area and to make the resources more accessible.

Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered is not a decision someone makes; choosing to accept the feelings and loving one's self is.

Copyright (C) 1998 C.E.
Andrew J. Campbell (Arching Crescendt Sun), ACrescendtSun@HoTMaiL.com
Youth Aware of Addison County, youthaware@usa.net