Since obtaining their own server, the members of Youth Guardian Services have used their space to create a relationship with other similarly directed organizations. They provide web space for organizations such as the National Youth Advocacy Coalition and the Youth Pride Alliance. For smaller organizations, these services are free.

"Ultimately, I want to help other gay people in any small way feel more comfortable and proud of who they are." -- Josh*

The partnership is mutually beneficial. In addition to providing organizations with an online presence, Hungerford says, "We work with many of our affiliate organizations off-line just as much as we do online." The hosted organization receives computer help and support from YGS and, in turn, the organizations -- which are often larger and more well-known -- help spread the word about Youth Guardian Services.

In addition to the lists and other services hosted on the YGS server, the organization plans to launch a new program known as Peer Support (PS), which is mostly aimed at youth list subscribers and provides more individualized support. As Hungerford explains, "The reason we're starting this project is because we know that sometimes people respond better to one-on-one support, rather than posting their problems to a list of several hundred people."

Although none of the PS staff members have degrees in psychology, YGS requires that all respondents have some peer support training. At least one advisor will respond within 24 hours to any message sent to the PS address. The staff member tries to present the writer with several options for solving his or her problem. As the PS website explains, "We don't solve your problem for you, but try to give you a new perspective, hope for the future, free advice, a mental suit of armor, and a big cyberhug to help you work things out for yourself." After some time has passed, the PS staff will send a follow-up e-mail.

Youth Guardian Services is still a young organization. In addition to the current projects, the organization is focusing on "more long-term goals and strategic planning. It's something every organization has to do when they start to grow," Hungerford said.

Although he finds it hard to think in terms of specifics, Hungerford does have some personal goals for the group. "When I think of YGS in the future, I think of small, petty things. But I also think of other projects that I'd like to see us work towards. Like, I want to have a toll-free helpline. I want to be able to have our own training sessions with our staff. I'd like to see more medical professionals involved with what we

YGS founders (left to right): Jason Hungerford, Katherine Lund and James Miller

are doing, I'd like for us to be well known and well respected and, as always, I want us to remain an organization run by young people."

Perhaps more important than the future of YGS, though, is the future it has given to the youth it serves. Coming out is a long journey that happens differently for each person. When a person, especially a young person, comes out, it is usually not to everyone all at once. Even though YGS has helped many youth find the courage to come out online by creating a virtual safe zone, many remain in the closet to their friends and parents. Youth Guardian Services exists to support them throughout the decisions surrounding their coming out.

Josh says his time with YGS has given him a new pride in himself and a new outlook on life. "When I first came out online, I couldn't even look myself in the mirror and say 'I'm gay,' but now I feel proud that I can be totally honest with myself. Ultimately, I want to help other gay people in any small way feel more comfortable and proud of who they are."

In Adam's case, the online support lends itself to a much more private success. "I am not scared or depressed about who I might be, and that is something that I have truly been reaching for. Some people measure their 'progress' by where they are in the coming out process. YGS has led me to success, I have conquered my own demons. Yet I have not entered the coming-out process, nor do I plan to. My continued involvement with YGS will help me more fully understand myself and where I am heading in years to come."

* Names have been changed.