Feeling good inside and out should be everyone's goal.

But lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people often have a tougher time of it as they grapple with issues such as shame, rejection, and low self-esteem. This book discusses the unique pressures that lead too many LGBT youth to alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse as well as eating disorders, unsafe sex, and unwanted pregnancy.

Learn how to cope with feelings of alienation and depression, confusion about gender and orientation, and the struggle to integrate your sexual and gender identity with your larger self. Liking yourself for who you are is the key to getting and staying physically healthy. And having the support of family, friends, or trusted mentors can make all the difference for LGBT people learning to respect themselves and each other to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.

Each title in this series contains a foreword from the founder of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions.

These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there.

Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.