Teens in Print: Tell us about yourself.

Robert Hines: I’m a sophomore [at Boston Community
Leadership Academy], and I’m sort of independent. I’m mad
cool to talk to. I’m like man’s best friend. But what people don’t
know -- but may assume -- is that I’m gay, and some people
treat me different because of this.

TiP: What do you mean by that?

RH: I mean, since I’m a little feminine….people treat me as
though I’m an alien from outer space, and I have to face lots
of isolation. Even though I want to be able to talk to any and
everyone, I won’t allow myself to change who I am just to fit
in. I’m proud of who I am. When people talk, I don’t care. I’m
going to be me until the end of time. I just wish people would
understand….I know a lot of people may have something to say,
but if it’s not out of respect, keep it to yourself. We don’t care.
All the negativity needs to stop.

TiP: When did you first come out about your sexuality to the
world and why?

RH: I first brought up my sexuality back in seventh grade. Most
would say that’s too young to know what I want, but I just felt
like I was bottled up, holding back this secret. All the other
homosexuals projected their lifestyle freely, so I figured why
couldn’t I.

TiP: What struggles do you face?

RH: Teasing, exclusion, isolation. People always have something
to say. Gays don’t get treated the way we want to be
treated. We’ve been trashed so many times it’s so hard to want
to live. Although we have lots of supporters, there are homophobes
that hurt us. I act like I don’t care, but I’m hurt. A lot!

TiP: Have adults treated you differently because of this?

RH: Well I don’t really know if it’s because of this particular
situation, but I do know that they did treat me a lot different
than the other kids. Especially my old gym teacher. He had a
mouth on him!

TiP: It seems that gay men are treated differently than gay
women.

RH: This, like most things, really hurts me because, like the
women, we want the affection and the love because we are
people, too, you know. We want the appreciation they get, too.
It’s not fair that for a woman, it’s just dandy, and for us, it’s
disgusting.

TiP: Do you think that homosexuality was viewed differently
back in the day?

RH: Yeah. Back then, you would have to keep your sexual orientation
a secret. Now, gays can be open but it’s hard, you know.
People just won’t accept us.

TiP: Do you think this treatment or behavior will change over
time?

RH: Honestly, no, but you never know. It depends on people’s
views or how they feel about gays. It may take a long time for
people to accept. ■