This book examines the challenges facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual youth, suggesting ways to bring about significant and positive differences in homes, schools, and communities. It presents the experiences of such children, in their own words, as they gradually discover they are different from most other children in their sexual orientation. Research for the book also includes interviews with gay adults about their childhoods and studies that document the experiences of gay children in their homes and schools. The 18 chapters focus on: (1) "Shame Can Shatter Their Dreams"; (2) "Myths and Fallacies"; (3) "Identity Development"; (4) "Coming Out"; (5) "Parents and Families Coming Out"; (6) "For All Parents"; (7) "What Happens to Gay Children at School?"; (8) "Students Tell Us How Schools Can Help"; (9) "How Individuals within the School System Can Help Gay Students"; (10) "Gay Youth Support Groups"; (11) "A School Climate Survey"; (12) "Transcending the Stigma"; (13) "Enlightened Mayor Seeks Acceptance for Gay Youth"; (14) "For Mental Health Professionals"; (15) "Legal and Social Policy Barriers and How They Affect Gay Children"; (16) "Transgender Identity"; (17) "Personal Stories of Transsexuals Growing Up"; and (18) "The Tipping Point." (Contains 24 references and an index.) (SM)