The Shanghai LGTB Youth Organization was started a few years ago by a group of LGTB teens who were interested in finding other gay teens in the city. Taylor (in picture above right), who coordinates that group, tells me “it has grown into a really cool inter-school community of kids from practically every international school in Shanghai.”

Justine (on the left) joined the group about a year ago through one of its monthly dinners. “It has made a great impact on me ever since then,” she says. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of people who have been through exactly what I’m going through–that is, being gay and being discriminated against. The group has done a lot to foster an open-minded community.”

Justine says she was surprised to find other closeted kids in Shanghai who were going through exactly the same thing she was. “It’s difficult to find people who really understand and sympathize with what you’re going through and are willing to support you unconditionally. I found friends like that through this group, and they have encouraged me and supported me greatly since then.”

Taylor says most people who contact the group have encountered some form of bullying in their school because of being gay. “I think the biggest issue gay teens face in Shanghai is the discrimination they face in school,” says Justine. “Although some schools are open-minded and accept their LGBT teens, most schools in Shanghai are apathetic towards the community. I experience silent discrimination first-hand and I hear the phrase ‘that’s so gay’ at least once every day.” Justine says she has started a Pride Alliance to promote a more open and accepting environment in her school. “However, due to some conflicts within my school, the club is temporarily inactive and we are limited in what we’re able to do.”

Taylor says that only one Shanghai international school has a gay / straight alliance, and that they face some restrictions in what they are allowed to do. No other school offers support for kids who are dealing with their sexuality in high school.

Luckily, though both Justine and Taylor have found support not only among the Shanghai LGBT Youth Organization (which has now grown to more than 50 members), but also from parents, teachers and their peers.

You can contact the group at shanghai_lgbt_youth@hot mail.com. It’s a safe environment where confidentiality is respected.