Fear of controversy, cultural taboos, and fear of homosexuality have prevented many educators from dealing effectively with gay and lesbian young people. The climate in most schools is such that gay teens rarely are willing to expose themselves to the ridicule, harassment, and abuse that comes when they openly acknowledge their sexual orientation. Instead, they hide their sexuality in order to pass for "normal." Such concealment takes a terrible psychological and emotional toll. The result can be behavioral choices that place adolescents at risk of school failure, disease, and even death. To counteract these conditions, educators will need to acknowledge that homosexuality is a variation in sexual orientation and that they have a professional responsibility to provide information, counseling, and other services. They will need to take deliberate steps to eliminate the negative attitudes and actions of students and staff in their schools that place gay teens at risk. (KM)