Abstract
In 1983 the American Academy of Pediatrics recognized the reality and special needs of those adolescents for whom homosexuality is a natural and valid developmental outcome. Unfortunately, gay and lesbian teens grow up in an environment that is still largely hostile to their sexual and affectional orientation. Society neither affirms their feelings as healthy and legitimate nor allows the exploration necessary for self-understanding and acceptance. The increased morbidity and mortality risk associated with being a gay or lesbian teen is often due to this denial of adolescence. Health care professionals should provide support, accurate information, and anticipatory guidance to adolescents with sexual identity concerns and to their parents. In addition, health care providers should publicly address the realities of growing up gay and the need for a societal change in attitude toward homosexuality that is based on fact rather than myth or ignorance.
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