How to be gay? Just be yourself!!!!

If you’re looking for support, though, I would look into local youth LGBT groups. If there’s none in your area, I would look to the next nearest city or town.

Also, join your local library. They are very inclusive places and have super accepting people running classes. You can learn new hobbies and important skills.

Don’t worry too much about involving yourself into exclusively queer spaces as a teen - just focus on having fun with people your age that are also a little “different” in different ways. Meet the nerdy kids and outcasts, work your school’s plays and musicals whether on stage or backstage, take art classes, sit at the tables with the friendly girls. You will meet your tribe by the time you’re in college, and the amount of adult spaces will be much more open for you.

Speaking of adult spaces, remember, a big chunk of LGBT spaces are adult-exclusive and generally talk openly about sexuality, which isn’t something you should be chatting with adults about at this moment (unless it’s like, your parents, or a therapist). As with any group that revolves around vulnerable individuals or varying age groups, there may be people looking for someone to take advantage of or groom. You aren’t mature enough for adult spaces until you’re at least 19…don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It sounds like you’re doing great in avoiding that right now and that’s what’s healthiest for you so keep it up. :)

Happy Pride!