A safe place for LGBT students

The purpose of this entry is to discuss our possible reactions to a student "coming out" to us and how we can make our art rooms a safe place for LGBT students.
I have some experience in this regard as I have had a small but varied group of friends, fellow students and co-workers come out to me over the years. I admit that I have always felt both honored and humbled by their willingness to open up to me and place that sort of trust in me, and I have always tried to reciprocate with respect, acceptance and support, as well as a certain amount of confidentiality if they were uncomfortable or unable to be more open about that part of their lives to others. Thus far, most of these people have become close friends and I feel they have given me a better understanding of the struggles they face every day.
I think that if we are able to create an environment within our classroom that makes students feel safe and comfortable and open to sharing learning experiences with one another, it will also become an environment where they feel comfortable sharing certain things with us that they may not be able to share with others. I don't think this is bad, but we do need to be careful about how we handle the situation. I feel that if a student who hadn't come out to anyone else (family or friends) shared that knowledge with us, we should respond in an open, honest, respectful and accepting way, but also be aware that the knowledge was shared with the (possibly) unspoken understanding that a certain amount of confidentiality on our part would be expected (ie. we won't share the knowledge with others without their consent, etc.). I feel a teacher in this situation should respond thoughtfully, asking some questions but not prying, and overall, letting them know that you accept and respect them for who they are and that your room is a safe environment should they ever need one.
I would also add that the idea of confidentiality should not exceed the limits of a professional basis, that is, it should not necessarily become a "personal secret" or anything that oversteps the bounds of the proper student / teacher relationship. Also, in the case of a students' coming out to you, confidentiality on your part should only extend so far as there are no extenuating circumstances. If the student is at risk or in some sort of danger, involved in an unhealthy relationship that is tied in with their sexuality, or if there is abuse involved, it is still our duty to extend the conversation and involve others who can help, including the school counselor, perhaps the principal or another LGBT-supportive teacher, and their parents / guardians if need be.
This is all somewhat hypothetical, as I have never had a student come out to me, but a number of these steps have been taken by me in regards to others who have come out to me. I believe that the best thing to do is just be supportive and understanding, and let the person know that you accept them for who they are and that you are there as an advocate for them if they should need one.