Some people must arm themselves each day against the violent reaction of a world that perceives them as “other.”

Particularly young people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered or questioning (GLBTQ) youths whose lives are purposefully made a living hell by their homophobic classmates.

These are the people Edward Roy champions in his play, “The Other Side of the Closet,” in which a gay teenager reveals his sexuality and confronts the subsequent violent homophobic reaction of his peers.

The play opens at Whidbey Children’s Theater in Langley with the Third Street Players on the Martha Murphy Mainstage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 13.

Erick Westphal directs the intense and compelling story that tackles issues of identity, conformity, self-respect, bullying and tolerance, while attempting to foster an understanding of those who are different.

Westphal said that the play is fast-paced, hard-hitting and real, and that it dramatizes what is happening in the world every day.

“I know of youths who have moved from one school to another because of spoken prejudices, badgering, humiliation, betrayal and being outcast,” Westphal said.

“If even one youth is hurt or humiliated, that is too many. What is portrayed in ‘The Other Side of the Closet’ presents an extremely serious scenario of intolerance,” he said.

Indeed, the playwright used testimonials of teens to create the piece. It reflects the reality of the lives of real life gay and lesbian teenagers who have experienced discrimination, harassment, abuse and hate-motivated violence in their schools because of their sexual orientation.

Westphal wants to create a conversation that will provoke the audience to think about their own communities where such violent discrimination lives.

“As children, we do not choose whether our community is supportive or intolerant,” Westphal said.

“If our own home does not accept us, where do we turn? Can bringing awareness to these issues help make our community safer for all?” he asked.

That’s the goal for Westphal, Whidbey Children’s Theater and the fearless actors who are charged with dramatizing such provocative material.

“The six cast members involved in this show are wonderfully courageous, and I am awed by their commitment,” Westphal said.

Not only are they bravely pouring their hearts out onstage, he said, but they are keenly aware of the impact their performances may have on the audience and reserve a certain respect for those who may have felt the pain of the subject matter.

But there’s another contingent who Westphal hopes will open their hearts, too.

“The biggest challenge may be to reach those in our community who most need to hear the message,” Westphal said.

It is his hope that a seed will be planted by the show, that discussions will be started and that support groups for friends and families of GLBTQ youths will emerge through various resources. Westphal said that there are currently Gay/Straight Alliance groups in the high schools on South Whidbey, Bayview and in Oak Harbor, but that he would like to see more resources become available locally.

“The Other Side of the Closet” is sponsored by Whidbey Giving Circle, a fund of the Pride Foundation.

The show runs for two weekends from Feb. 4-13, with 7:30 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday and matinee performances at 2 p.m. Sundays. Audiences are invited to stay for a post-performance discussion with the director and actors.

Due to language and subject matter, the play is not recommended for youths younger than 14.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Special pay-what-you-can shows are 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Call 221-2282 for tickets and 221-8707 for more information.