We will survive.

I survived 13 years of Catholic education in Fargo, N.D., in a homophobic atmosphere that kept me closeted. After my close friend and debate partner defended gay students to her English class, she was harassed as a "dyke" for months. We'd spent the summer at a debate program at Northwestern University--where issues confronting GLBT youth made up a major portion of the year's mental health theme--and had forgotten the tragic reality.

GLBT teenagers are still pigeonholed by stereotypes and misconceptions, like media reports that we're three times more likely to commit suicide than heterosexual teens. This statistic, based on skewed studies of kids already in counseling, only perpetuates the myth that we're unbalanced, desperate for attention, and just a little overdramatic.

This year, as a freshman government student at Harvard, I've met incredible GLBT individuals excelling in all fields of study. This is the message that's rarely stated: We have the same dreams, skills, and talents as straight teens.

Why are some GLBT teens suicidal? They're told by parents, the media, and counselors that they have to suppress their identities or give up their dreams. Gay teens are National Merit Scholars, star athletes, and class presidents. What we need are mentors who will encourage us to ignore the myths and push ahead, reminding us that our generation of gay youth is impossible to fit into a neat little box.

The Advocate invites GLBT youths to write about their lives in this space. To contribute, E-mail [e-mail]. For a longer version of Ryan Richard Thoreson's article, go to www.advocate.com/youth.asp.