THE TOPIC OF homosexuality has been widely discussed in the media in recent years for two reasons: first, because gay activists demonstrate for equal rights and, second, because of increased scientific research into its causes. Yet one aspect of homosexuality—its occurrence in teenagers—is not often discussed. This may be because many people, including large numbers of teenagers, mistakenly assume homosexuality in teens is rare and too few gay teens exist to make this a worthy topic of conversation. Another reason gay teens are rarely discussed is many people find this topic disturbing and feel uncomfortable talking about it.

How many teenagers are gay? No one knows for certain. Researchers say the proportion of gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens to straight teens is probably similar to the proportion of gay people in the general population...