Reader comments from www.advocate.com.

In the June 21 issue we asked:

Is the self-confidence of many GLBT young people in part a reflection of more-accepting friends their age?

Reader comments from www.advocate.com

* Without wider acceptance of today's student body, I don't believe today's GLBT young people would feel safe enough to be so open. Thank you, younger generation, for allowing your classmates, whether you approve or not, to feel safe enough to be themselves. Their adult lives will be healthier as a result."

* "As a 16-year-old gay guy, I think there is much more to the picture than just accepting friends. I think the most important factor leading to self-confidence is the confidence of the generations of homosexuals who came before us, the generations who were repressed and are now standing up, who are being proud about who they are."

* "Believe me, if I didn't have the support of my friends, I would still be closeted. And not committed to the best person in the world, my partner."

* "Peer support is definitely a plus. In 1970 I attended New York's famous High School of Music and Art, where gay students were abundant. Still we had little peer support, and we were miserable teens."