Gay Teen Issues Online Conference Transcript - Gay Teen Issues Online Conference

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

sspark: Dr. Cason, do you feel that teens have a problem knowing what "coming out" really is. Activists have sensationalized "coming out" which seems to be confusing. Please comment on this.

Dr. Cason: To me, coming out is a gradual step-by-step process. It is not a thing that happens one day. It starts with a recognition of what is going on inside, then an exploration, then maybe telling someone, and so on. I don't believe it ever really ends. By me appearing on this web-cast, I am coming out another step. But, I have many, many miles left in my journey as a human being and as a gay man. And I am a fallible human being.

David: On the Gay Is Ok! site, there is also a coming out guide, which may prove helpful to some of you.

Robert1: I just turned seventeen and have always thought that I was gay, but recently I met an woman who I find attractive. I don't think I'm straight, so now I'm confused, and my head is really messed up.

Dr. Cason: There is no reason to label yourself or think that you "must" act a certain way. If you find a woman attractive, then that is OK, just as OK as finding a man attractive. The point is, there need not be a "right" or "wrong" way of being. Even if society demands that we label ourselves, we do not have to listen to that demand. However, if you choose to label yourself, as I do, that is OK too!

David: Are you saying, Dr. Cason, that it's okay to explore your sexuality, and it's part of the process people go through to figure out who they are?

Dr. Cason: Yep, we are humans after all. We learn through experience. But there is no "must."

If you do not want to have sex with someone of your same, or opposite sex, then don't. It isn't that we should try everything, but rather it is OK to experiment with things we may be attracted to (provided that it is of mutual consent and no one is hurt, of course).

David: Here are some more audience comments about things being said tonight:

gayisok: As I say on Gay is OK, be yourself and make no apologies, none are needed.

sspark: Good point about coming out being gradual. Also, I think it isn't necessary to tell the whole world of your sexuality. I look at it as a 'need to know' situation, otherwise, it doesn't serve a purpose. Aren't there laws now that protect kids from sexual harassment at school? It seems I read that courts are holding parents of those bully kids responsible for their actions.

timeforce: The gradual process is still ongoing with me. Recently, I came out to a bunch of workmates (I drive large trucks for a living). Having spent thirteen years after coming out for the first time, I found this time it was a lot easier. So, for all those guys and gals here, while it appears to be an empty comment, It does get easier as time goes on.

Dr. Cason: I agree with all those comments!

David: Dr. Cason's website is here.

Dr. Cason: Yes, please visit my site and send me an email if you would like!

David: Thank you, Dr. Cason, for being our guest tonight and for sharing this information with us. And to those in the audience, thank you for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful. Also, if you found our site beneficial, I hope you'll pass our URL around to your friends, mail list buddies, and others: http://www.healthyplace.com

Here's the link to the HealthyPlace.com GLBT Community. You can click on this link and sign up for the mail list at the top of the page so you can keep up with events like this.

Dr. Cason: Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure and I wish you all the best in your personal coming out processes. Good night everyone!

David: Thanks again, Dr. Cason. Good night everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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