This is the 1st of 2 critical commentaries covering lesbian & gay issues in social work, linked to the author’s current research interests around young people. This first paper considers sexuality in relation to experiences in secondary schools & the implications for professionals; the second paper will consider lesbian & gay issues in social work practice with young people. The 3 articles discussed in this commentary are from journals with different professional associations- education, medicine, & counseling- & they focus on 3 different issues- peer education, bullying & suicide. The articles are concerned with how professionals interpret & respond to young people’s experiences in schools. (32 refs)