More Schools Have Groups for Homosexuals

As students have become more comfortable talking about homosexuality, interest is booming in programs to help students feel more safe at school.

In Missouri, about 18 schools in the area have gay-straight alliance programs. Only a handful of schools in the region had such programs four years ago. Although the number of gay-straight programs in high schools is increasing, only a few exist in the Metro East area with clubs listed at Alton, Belleville and O'Fallon high schools.

Dennis Nicely, head of the St. Louis region's Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, attributes the growth in the groups to students who feel more comfortable speaking about issues that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.

They are more comfortable, except when it comes to the truth...

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