without addressing homophobia. you can't do it. because so many children are proving that they have to belong, that they are not gay, that they have to be silent in the face of cruelty. so they don't get this comment of, don't be gay, don't be a fag. so if we don't address this in ways kids can relate to and visuale and that they think we know what we're talking about, then we are not going to be able to give them the services and the support and the programs that they need. >> tom, to some degree, though, aren't gay and lesbian kids coming out at younger and younger ages in schools today? isn't it important to create a safe place for them, a place where they feel comfortable and good about themselves rather than making them feel bad about themselves? >> studies have shown in minnesota that large numbers of kids are insecure with their sexual identity and when you begin promoting, encouraging and endorsing it, more kids are going to say, hey i'm gay and lesbian -- >> you're using the buzz words