LGBT+ and Young People
Supporting LGBT+ young people requires a clear understanding of the unique challenges they may face and the importance of creating an inclusive and safe environment. Many young people who identify as LGBT+ may experience challenges such as discrimination, lack of acceptance, bullying, or internal struggles with their identity. It's important to provide them with the support, respect, and guidance they need to navigate their feelings and experiences in a healthy way.
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LGBT+ young people may be in the process of discovering or understanding their sexual orientation or gender identity. This period of exploration is an essential part of their development. As a professional, it is crucial to create a space where they can express themselves freely and feel heard without judgment. Respecting their chosen names, pronouns, and identity is vital to helping them feel accepted.
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LGBT+ young people are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-harm. This may be due to societal pressures, discrimination, or lack of familial support. Providing appropriate mental health support, including referring them to LGBT+ specific counselling services or groups, can be crucial in helping them manage these challenges.
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LGBT+ young people may face bullying or discrimination at school or in their communities. This can result in feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and increased stress. Professionals can help by advocating for LGBT+ inclusive policies and educating peers and others on the importance of respect and inclusion.
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For many LGBT+ young people, the response of their family to their sexual orientation or gender identity can be a significant factor in their overall well-being. Some may face rejection or misunderstanding from their families, leading to homelessness or emotional distress. It’s essential to offer support to these young people and encourage open, honest, and supportive conversations with family members when appropriate. Additionally, connecting them to family therapy or LGBT+ support groups can help foster understanding and acceptance.
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LGBT+ young people have the same legal rights as anyone else, but these rights are not always fully recognised or protected in all settings. It’s important to inform them about their rights in relation to school, work, healthcare, and social services. Professionals can help by ensuring that LGBT+ young people are aware of anti-discrimination laws and available support services.
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Unfortunately, LGBT+ young people may also be more at risk of abuse, particularly in environments where their identity is not accepted. This could include physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, or coercion. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of abuse and know how to intervene appropriately. Professionals should ensure that young people feel safe in any space they are in and provide information on local safeguarding services.
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1. Create a Safe Space
Ensure that the environment you work in is inclusive and safe for LGBT+ young people. This could include using inclusive language, having visible LGBT+ resources, and offering an open-door policy where young people can discuss their identity freely.
2. Educate and Raise Awareness
Promote awareness of LGBT+ issues and rights to reduce stigma and discrimination. Providing educational workshops or resources for both young people and staff members can help foster a supportive and understanding community.
3. Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes, all an LGBT+ young person needs is someone to listen to them. Offer them a non-judgmental, empathetic space where they can express their feelings and concerns.
4. Connect to Resources
Direct LGBT+ young people to services specifically geared toward supporting their needs. This could include mental health services, LGBT+ support groups, or helplines that offer advice and guidance.
Stonewall: Provides resources and support for LGBT+ individuals. Website: Stonewall
The LGBT Foundation: Offers support services, including mental health services and advice. Website: LGBT Foundation
Switchboard: A helpline for LGBT+ people providing confidential listening and support. Website: Switchboard
5. Promote Inclusion and Equality
Encourage acceptance and inclusion within groups, schools, or communities. This can involve developing policies that are inclusive of LGBT+ issues, advocating for equality, and being proactive in stopping discrimination and bullying.
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LGBT+ young people in the UK have legal protections against discrimination in education, healthcare, and other public services. These include:
The Equality Act 2010: Protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various settings.
The Gender Recognition Act 2004: Allows transgender people to gain legal recognition of their gender identity.
Risk Indicators
Understanding the risk indicators for LGBT+ young people is essential for professionals to provide early intervention and support. This tool uses a RAG (Low, Increased, High) system to help identify the level of concern based on behaviours, emotional wellbeing, and the experiences of young people who identify as LGBT+.
Low Risk
These indicators suggest that the young person is generally coping well with their identity and is not currently facing major issues related to discrimination, mental health, or relationships.
Increased Risk
These signs suggest that the young person may be experiencing more difficulties with their LGBT+ identity or related issues, which could lead to further challenges if not addressed.
High Risk
These indicators suggest that the young person is at significant risk of mental health difficulties, self-harm, or other serious issues, often linked to rejection, discrimination, or lack of support. Immediate intervention is necessary.
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Positive self-identity: The young person is confident and comfortable with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Supportive environment: They have a strong support system of family, friends, or peers who respect and accept their identity.
Engagement with LGBT+ community: The young person is connected with supportive LGBT+ groups or online communities.
Good mental health: They report a healthy emotional state, with no signs of depression, anxiety, or self-harm linked to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Healthy relationships: They have positive relationships with peers, free from bullying, discrimination, or exclusion due to their LGBT+ identity.
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Discomfort with identity: The young person may be questioning or struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to confusion, stress, or frustration.
Bullying or discrimination: They may be experiencing bullying, teasing, or exclusion due to their identity, either at school, in their community, or at home.
Social withdrawal: The young person may isolate themselves from others or avoid discussing their identity due to fear of rejection or judgment.
Emotional distress: They may be showing signs of anxiety, depression, or stress related to their experiences as an LGBT+ person, though these feelings are not overwhelming.
Family or peer rejection: They may be experiencing difficulty with family members or friends who do not support or accept their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Increased risk of self-harm: The young person may express feelings of hopelessness or exhibit self-harm behaviours, though these are not persistent or frequent.
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Severe emotional distress: The young person may be experiencing ongoing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, often related to their identity or societal rejection.
Homelessness or risk of homelessness: LGBT+ young people are at a higher risk of homelessness, especially if they are rejected by their family or caretakers upon coming out.
Chronic bullying or abuse: They are experiencing significant bullying or abuse due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which may include physical or verbal violence.
Substance abuse: They may be using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with emotional pain or discrimination.
Severe social isolation: The young person may have no supportive social network and may withdraw completely from school, social groups, or extracurricular activities.
High-risk behaviours: They may be engaging in risky behaviours such as self-harm, unsafe sexual practices, or involvement in harmful activities due to low self-esteem or lack of support.
Lack of access to support services: The young person may be unaware of, or unable to access, appropriate mental health services, LGBT+ support networks, or community resources.