One may be tempted to assume that to be gay in 2008 is easier than it was twenty-five years ago. Without a doubt, people’s mentality has evolved and measures have been adopted to make homosexuals feel more accepted in society. However, a large number of gay and lesbian youth are still struggling with the idea of identifying themselves as homosexuals, especially those living in small rural communities or those that have no one to talk to and hence, feel alone and wonder ''am I the only one?''

They must battle with the enormous societal and internal pressures of homophobia and heterosexism and face discrimination, rejection, hatred, and harrassment. These struggles put youth at serious risk for depression, social isolation, low self-esteem, increased drop-out rates at school, substance abuse, and even suicide.

Sign up and Join the Troop so that you can let questioning and homosexual youth and individuals know that they are not alone in this world.

• Help empower youth to be confident and proud about themselves
• Help empower youth to accept and celebrate their sexual orientation
• Help empower youth to overcome obstacles and make healthy choices about relationships and sex
• Help empower youth so that they can feel proud to be and are equal members of society.

Set the example like the many people that joined the AlterHéros troop.