Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Young People
Whilst there has been a significant change in attitudes towards LGBT people and there is now legislation which outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity with regard to employment and provision of goods and services, nevertheless, the situation facing young LGBT people is, if anything, worse: they are coming out at significantly younger ages (13, 14, 15 16 years) when they are still in education and experiencing or witnessing homophobic bullying both at school and on the streets. There is little information or support available at school to counteract the negative messages about homosexuality/ transgenderism emanating from the media, religion, peers and sometimes parents and family members. This results in young LGBT people internalising a stigmatised identity. When most young LGBT people first come out they often think that they are the only one.
For some young people, simply meeting their LGBT peers, accessing accurate information, positive adult role models and support whilst coming out - particularly to their parents - and parental acceptance, is all that they need to develop and fulfil their potential.
A significant number, however, lose friends when they find out they are LGBT, are unable to meet their peers and access support and information. They can, therefore, be extremely isolated. Alternatively, some may access the adult gay-scene which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, alcohol/drug misuse. On top of this, many experience parental non-acceptance and/or rejection - LGBT young people make up a high proportion of homeless young people. These experiences make young LGBT people vulnerable to:
- Sexual abuse and exploitation
- Mental health problems (depression, self-harm, attempted suicide, anxieties, phobias, eating disorders)
- Alcohol and drug misuse
- Risky behaviour including risky sexual behaviour
With appropriate intervention the risk of young LGBT people developing these problems can be significantly reduced. However, many young LGBT people do not have access to specialist LGBT youth services, nor do they access mainstream services and, for those who do, their needs are rarely met because a) providers are unaware of their sexual orientation/gender identity and/or b) have not had appropriate training specifically addressing the needs of LGBT young people.
The purpose of this web-page is to provide access to information and resources for LGBT young people, parents of LGBT young people and professionals who are likely to work with LGBT young people.