The 'gay' question

Tuesday is National Coming Out Day, and it's important to understand the struggle of those who might plan on taking the plunge and revealing their sexual orientation. \nAn article in last week's Time magazine, however, insinuates that today, it's easy being gay. Ritch Savin-Williams, chair of Cornell University's \nhuman-development department, told the magazine he believes gay youth are moving toward a "postgay" identity, in part because many are not yet willing to call themselves gay. His neologism insinuates society as progressed so much that sexual orientation is no longer seen as an issue by the general public.\nUnfortunately, he seems to ignore that this is the first generation of gay teenagers to come out en masse. Unlike their adult counterparts, adolescents are still finding themselves and understanding their own desires. \nIn the past few years, gays have been represented more and more in the mainstream media, which probably contributes to the gay teenager phenomenon. Few of these representations, however, demonstrate particularly good role models. Network shows like "Will & Grace" offer the possibility of being an over-sexed, flippant freeloader, or a castrated, wealthy, but irrelevant, man. Either way, the biggest concern should be fashion.\nMeanwhile, on that same night, the teenagers will probably see humor reliant on homophobia and politicians campaigning against "the evil gay agenda." These teenagers are at an age when their identity is formed mostly from external sources, so it's easy to see how they could be confused. \nThe article also disparages the gay adult movement for failing to connect with children, leaving groups like Exodus (an "ex-gay" group) to fill the void. What the reporter fails to acknowledge is that gay adults (especially men) who want to work with children are seen as pedophiles looking to recruit children. In many states, there isn't any job protection for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender professionals, so a gay teacher who wants to be a role model for his or her gay students, even by touching on gay history, can easily be run out of town by an irate PTA. \nCertainly, things are getting better, especially for gay youth. Gay visibility on television, even if it is not greatly positive, is at least helpful in letting questioning youth know they aren't alone. More of their heterosexual peers are becoming sensitive to GLBT issues and more and more Gay-Straight Alliances are popping up in high schools across the country.\nBut there's still a dark side. Although it's impossible to get exact statistics, it seems about one-third of youth suicides are committed by GLBT teenagers, and many others are forced out of their homes or run away because of intolerant families. This alone proves equality is not yet in sight, and seeing as how we are still struggling with racism and sexism after all these years, it won't be easy.\nWhile Time magazine wants to believe that life is a fabulous bowl of cherries for gay youth, National Coming Out Day is still a relevant and deeply meaningful turning point for those struggling with their sexuality in a society allergic to fruit.