This is a real shame. This is one of the reasons I always try and correct young students from referring to things as "gay" because of the current trend in America. The bottom line...It is all the tiny little overt and covert forms of oppression that build atop of a person's mind and heart.
Once they begin to believe that they are a second class citizen whom has to fight for their rights they begin feeling isolated and alone. Meanwhile the foul language of "Gay", "FAG" and other colorful metaphors contribute to a hostile environment that can lead to people taking their own loves.
The sad part is occasionally youth go through "questioning" phases that involve exploring the fluidity of sexuality, but they are not necessarily gay. You can definitely "know" at 18 but I have seen many question and choose a heterosexual lifestyle because they cannot get past the "shame."
This effects everyone, gay or straight, black or white.
One day this will become clear on its own.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost