Gay Gen Xers divulge biggest little secret in Reno by Ursula Riina, Outpost Contributor In this package UNR students come out Reno's changing climate   Many may think the gay community in Reno does not exist--at least, not openly. It isn't often that a gay couple is spotted walking hand in hand down the river walk, affectionate to each other. The acceptance of homosexuality in Reno is suppressed. However, there may be hope within the young twenty-something generation of Reno that homosexuality can become an acceptable way of life. But that acceptance may be some time in coming. Suppression of young gays and lesbians is caused by both young heterosexuals and young homosexuals who are unwilling to speak openly about the subject. Embarrassment and unfamiliarity may subvert unspoken words of support. For young heterosexuals meeting gay peers for the first time, the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing how to react often becomes the springboard for harsh words or, even worse, silence. For young Nevada homosexuals, the idea of revealing their sexual preference or, in contemporary terms "coming out," goes against their settled way of life of keeping quiet. Fear of rejection, or even violence, also keeps many young gay men and women "in the closet." Both groups of people have begun to work at creating a supportive environment in Reno for all people dealing with gay and lesbian issues. It is this generation of twenty-somethings that differs from past generations in being more open to the idea of homosexuality in Reno. This generation is opening it's mouth and mind. Young people interested in creating an open environment in the city should be aware that a gay community does exist. There are several local organizations such as the Gay Youth Outreach Program, the Reno chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the University of Nevada's Gay & Lesbian Student Union and Sierra Outdoor Sports, an outdoor/recreational organization for gay men and lesbians. Each program has something different to offer in terms of creating a comfortable environment. For example,the Gay Youth Outreach Program is rumored to be starting a statewide hot-line that will give young people in rural areas the opportunity to get in touch with an accepting community. Young adults without the ability to travel to Reno or Las Vegas, a more openly gay city, may find hope in the openness and anonymity of the hot-line.   copyright 6/1/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost   Related sites: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Gay Youth Assistance Organization