I am 16 year old girl. I have a friend who has confessed to me that he is gay. He is scared about the other kids at school finding out and giving him a hard time. Some boys make fun of him and call him names like ‘’. How can I be a good friend to him? He is very distressed and has even told me that sometimes he wished he were dead. how to offer thoughtful, respectful advice which includes references to the characteristics of a healthy relationship. How can I offer thoughtful, respectful advice which includes references to the characteristics of a healthy relationship.

First tell him that you are happy that he opened up to you about his sexuality because that is a hard thing to open up about to some people. He is clearly comfortable with you so that was the reason why he told you. Remind him that you support him and will continue to support him no matter what. Some people need that reminder that they’re people who are supporting and will be there for them. Be open and educate yourself on what to say and what no to say. Sometimes, someone can say hurtful or offensive words to their lgbt friends without knowing and it can hurt their friendship with that person. So, just be aware of things or words not to say to them that might hurt their feelings. Don’t act differently towards them now that they have come out to you. For example, being distant from them, not wanting to spend time with them like before, being weirded out or uncomfortable being around them now that they came out as gay. Honestly, just being there for them and supporting them, and being a good friend is all you need to do.