Thousands of people are sending positive messages to a boy who says he is scared because he is gay.

His photograph features on the blog Humans of New York, which catalogues people's lives across the US city.

"I'm homosexual and I'm afraid about what my future will be and that people won't like me," the accompanying caption reads.

High profile figures including Ellen DeGeneres and Hillary Clinton have also posted words of support.

"Not only will people like you, they'll love you. I just heard of you and I love you already," wrote DeGeneres.

"Prediction from a grown-up: Your future is going to be amazing," Clinton wrote.

"You will surprise yourself with what you're capable of and the incredible things you go on to do. Find the people who love and believe in you - there will be lots of them."

She signed off her message with an "H" showing that she, rather than a member of her staff, had written it.

Many people said that the image, which shows the unnamed boy sitting on a step, with his head in his hand and tears in his eyes, affected them.

Others said that the LGBT community in the US was very supportive and explained that the introduction of new marriage laws showed that society was changing in its attitudes towards gay people.

Humans of New York is created by the photographer Brandon Stanton, who has also made a book of his images. His page has more than 13 million likes on Facebook.

Although he includes a quotation from each participant, he never reveals their age or name.

Other recent stories on the blog include a girl who wants to be a doctor when she is older, a woman talking about the end of her relationship and a man who has come to the US from Honduras to work.

BBC Advice has help and information about issues around sexuality.

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