Peer pressure isn't always a bad thing, sometimes it can enable you to do something that maybe you haven't done before. It can motivate you to make positive changes. A lot of the time peer pressure isn't positive and can lead to you changing yourself for others rather than for yourself. Feeling that you have to

*  Wear the right clothes to fit in with a group

*   Change/End friendships to suit others

*   Have sex

*   Drink/ Smoke/ Experiment with drugs

Take time out to think about what you want from coming out., from relationships and friendships. You don't have to change yourself at all. It's importnt that you make the decisions about your future.

There is no gay uniform, you can wear whatever feels good for you. Gay men come fom all different backgrounds and it would be pretty boring if we all looked the same, so find your own style. If you feel good about the way you look other people will notice that too.

It is never ok to be pressured into having sex, if you do not feel safe in a situation it is important to speak out. Saying no can be difficult but if you are feeling pressured it is the most powerful thing you can say. It may sound silly but try practising saying no. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you usually agree to do something that you don't actually like doing just try saying no - it get's easier with practice!

You may want to try really hard to fit in with your friends, it is always best to make sure that you are doing something because you want to do it. No one should pressure you to drink or smoke or try drugs. Check out the scene survival guide, there is useful information on drugs and alcohol and safety,

Peer pressure has the potential to take over your decisions,  If you are continually pressured into doing things that you don't want to do, it is pretty likely that you will feel worse after. Don't get caught in the trap, Live life the way you want to and make the right choices for you.