Where will gays go?

I really need your help; my life is a mess. I have a mother who doesn't care about me. When I was 14, I was molested by my father and he threw me out. A married couple took me in and everything was OK.

After two years, however, it has become clear that the husband has got too attached to me. He doesn't want me to go out with friends, talk on my phone, not even say hello to strangers I meet on the road! I'm 16 and it's getting too much.

He is overbearing, he calls my mother and exaggerates things, making, them seem worse than they really are.

My mother has also become abusive. She recently told me to pack my things and move out of the house. I cannot live with her because she lives with a man who beats her and I don't like him and can't deal with that. Now I have nowhere to go. A friend (boy) has offered to take me in but he says it depends on how long I am going to stay there. What should I do?

Dear Friend:

I am so sorry to hear of all you have been going through. It sounds more than any teen should have to deal with.

What you have described - being molested at age 14 by your father - is just saddening. It is wonderful, however, that this couple took you in and, no doubt, treated you as their own. I am, however, not sure what you mean when you say "the husband has got too attached" to you. Is it that he has been sexually inappropriate or suggestive with you, or is it that he is just protective of you and wants the best for you?

I suggest that you speak with your guidance counsellor at school, who should be able to assist. If all you have said is true, then there are avenues your counsellor could explore, including the Child Development Agency, to give you the protection and help you need. I do not think it is a good idea to go and live with this friend who has offered you a place. There is no telling what could happen there.

Please take my suggestion to go to your school counsellor who is the best person to assist you at this time.

All the best.

Dr Stephen Claude Hyatt. For comments send your emails to dearcounsellor@hotmail.com.

Write to Dear Counsellor Rev.Stephen-Claude Hyatt at Youth Link, The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223; e-mail lifestyle@gleanerjm or dearcounsellor@hotmail.com