<p>You are an awesome parent. </p>
<p>I was also going to suggest Interlochen for his interest in the arts. Also look into summer camps and programs for LGBT youth. That might help him to adjust to being away from home the summer before he goes and give him a safe environment where he can be among the majority rather than in the minority and empower him in terms of self-confidence. The more LGBT kids he meets, the better he will likely feel about himself. Social support is everything. There are also some summer programs that aren’t necessarily just for LGBT kids, but offer an accepting and creative atmosphere, such as the Omega Teen Camp ([Teen</a> Camp | Omega](<a href=“http://eomega.org/workshops/theme-weeks/teen-camp]Teen”>http://eomega.org/workshops/theme-weeks/teen-camp)).</p>
<p>I agree that most New England boarding schools are pretty socially liberal and accepting of diversity. Of course, you’ll run into ignorant jerks everywhere, but by and large he shouldn’t have a serious problem. In general the administration of New England boarding schools should be sensitive to LGBT students’ needs.</p>
<p>If you are seeking an open and compassionate religious community, check out your local Unitarian Universalist church. Look for one certified as a Welcoming Congregation, which means that they’ve gone above and beyond to welcome LGBT parishioners. People can maintain their own faiths (Christian, Jewish, Pagan) or lack thereof there, and many sermons are focused on diversity, acceptance, and social justice. LGBT people can be ministers there, unlike at many other churches. They are not second class citizens. This church originated in New England and having this type of supportive community influence is something else that he could connect with in the greater community of his new school. If he’s interested in being a part of a religious community, I’m sure it would be a relief to be a member of one that isn’t going to condemn him to hell or judge him for his sexual orientation. If he’s not interested in religion at all, then obviously scrap that.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>