About: Trevor Ritchie is a third-year university student at the University of British Columbia and lives as a gay man. He came out in 2003 and currently is working to ensure that school boards across British Columbia create anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia policies that can protect students and staff.

My story: Growing up in Burnaby and in the Burnaby school system, I found that the vast majority of individuals meant well, but occasionally used language that contributed to a less welcoming environment. I didn't come out of the closet until I was 16 years old, and prior to that there were the usual teenage comments about various individuals being gay, which unfortunately continues to this day as a derogatory comment.

After coming out in 10th grade, I found that most people were quite accepting, even in places such as physical education class, where the all-male atmosphere can lead to a somewhat more homophobic environment. Most of my classmates were content to leave the issue alone, choosing instead to focus on how my natural talents helped me fit in. Once again, this was most relevant in PE, where my athleticism and general sports skills allowed me to remain a leader in the class, in spite of how gay males were stereotyped. Support in my school and community was and remains very strong.

My friends and family have always been supportive, if a little upset that they weren't the first to find out once I had determined for myself what I was. Within my athletics, there has yet to be an instance where my sexual orientation caused conflict or anxiety between me and any of my teammates.
 
In recent years, there has been a lot of societal growth and acceptance of the queer community, and much of that can be attributed to how the queer community itself acts in greater society, as well as how the media and the rest of society choose to view us. Positive portrayals in popular culture, as well as individuals in the community providing positive role models, have made the rest of society understand that we are not that different, save for who we are attracted to, and this knowledge and understanding has undercut most of the fear and aggression towards queer individuals.
 
In general, I think that there is a lot of acceptance of queer youths, but there are still some organizations and situations where homophobia and transphobia can occur.

It disappoints me that we even need to have a project like Dan Savage's "It Gets Better." As a society, we really should be beyond that kind of irrational hate, especially when it's aimed at children who are still trying to learn who they are, and who haven't done anything to deserve such hatred.
 
The project itself is having a positive effect, as numerous other groups have become aware of the problem and have begun to get people to tell their stories, including right here. I believe that the more the queer community tells its stories, the more we become accepted and the less we have to fear regarding hate.

For queer teens who are planning to come out of the closet, I want you all to know that coming out is a big step, and to be sure that it is the right choice for you. It is a big step, but you don't have to make it a big deal; if you treat it like a normal thing, so will the people around you.
 
Don't stand for bullying. If other people harass you because you're gay, or people think you're gay, don't sit down and let them do so. No one has the right to attack you for who you are, and you should try to talk to them and work it out, or get a trusted adult to intervene. Don't be afraid to live your lives. You're better than bullies. 

Are you an LGBT teen? Have you dealt with homophobia and bullying?
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