LGBT+

This page is for you if you're young and identify as LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and other identities) or are questioning your identity, and you're living in the UK. It's a space to explore your rights, find support, connect with others, and understand more about being LGBT+ here.

It's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are people and places that support you for being exactly who you are.

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When should you worry?

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Advice and Guidance

Your Rights

In the UK, you have rights that protect you from discrimination because of your sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act 2010 is a key law that means you should be treated fairly in places like school, at work, and in accessing services.

This means:

You have the right to be yourself. You can decide who you tell about your sexual orientation or gender identity, and when you're ready to do so.
You have the right to be respected. No one should discriminate against you or make you feel unsafe because you are LGBT+. Bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on your sexual orientation or gender identity is against the law. This includes in schools and colleges.
If you are trans, you have specific rights. This includes the right to use the name and pronouns you feel are right for you. In schools, you generally have the right to use the toilet facilities that match your gender identity or have access to gender-neutral options. You don't need medical or legal documentation to have these rights under the Equality Act.

If you experience discrimination or hate crime, you have the right to report it and get support. There are organisations that can help you understand your rights and take action if needed.

Finding Support

It's okay to need support, whether you're questioning your identity, facing challenges, or just want to connect with others who understand. There are many amazing organisations across the UK dedicated to supporting LGBT+ young people.

These organisations offer a range of help, including:

Helplines and online chat services: If you need to talk to someone right away, confidential helplines and chat services are available.
Youth groups: Connecting with other LGBT+ young people in your local area can be a great way to build friendships, share experiences, and feel less alone. Many groups offer a safe space to hang out and participate in activities.
One-to-one support: Some organisations offer individual support sessions where you can talk to a trained youth worker about what's on your mind.
Information and resources: You can find reliable information about a wide range of topics, from understanding your identity to navigating challenges at school or home.

Don't hesitate to reach out to these services. They are there to help you.

Connecting with Community

Finding your community can be a powerful and affirming experience. Being around people who understand and celebrate you for who you are is incredibly important.

You can connect with the LGBT+ community in various ways:

Local youth groups: As mentioned, these are fantastic places to meet other young LGBT+ people in your area.
Online communities: There are online forums and social media groups where you can connect with LGBT+ youth from across the UK and beyond.
LGBT+ events: Look out for local LGBT+ events, like youth clubs, workshops, or even smaller gatherings.
Pride events: While the main Pride parades are often large events, many cities and towns also have smaller, local Pride celebrations that can be a great way to experience the wider LGBT+ community.

Finding your tribe can provide a sense of belonging and shared experience that is invaluable.

Your Health and Wellbeing

Looking after your mental and emotional health is crucial. While being LGBT+ is not a cause of poor mental health, the experiences of discrimination, stigma, or not feeling accepted can have an impact. It's important to be aware of this and know where to get help if you need it.

Mental health support: Many of the LGBT+ youth organisations mentioned also offer mental health support or can signpost you to services that understand the specific needs of LGBT+ people.
Talking to someone you trust: This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or a youth worker.
Seeing a doctor or counsellor: If you're struggling with your mental health, your doctor can be a first point of contact, or you could consider talking to a counsellor or therapist who has experience supporting LGBT+ individuals.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.

Understanding Sexuality

Sexuality is about who you are attracted to. It's a personal and important part of your identity. There are many different ways people describe their sexuality, and it's okay to take your time to figure out what feels right for you. Your understanding of your sexuality might also evolve over time.

Here are some common terms people use to describe their sexuality:

Heterosexual (or Straight): This means you are attracted to people of a different gender than your own. For example, a girl attracted to boys, or a boy attracted to girls.
Homosexual (or Gay/Lesbian): This means you are attracted to people of the same gender as your own. The term 'Gay' is often used for men attracted to men, and 'Lesbian' for women attracted to women.
Bisexual: This means you are attracted to more than one gender. This could mean being attracted to people of your own gender and people of other genders.
Pansexual: This means you are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.
Asexual: This means you experience little or no sexual attraction to others. Asexual people may still experience romantic attraction.
Queer: This is an umbrella term that some people use to describe their sexual orientation or gender identity if they do not fit neatly into more traditional categories. It was historically used as a derogatory term but has been reclaimed by many in the LGBT+ community.
Questioning: This is when you are exploring your sexual orientation and are unsure about how you identify. It's perfectly normal to be questioning your sexuality, and you don't need to label yourself until you feel ready.

These are just some of the ways people describe their sexuality, and there are other terms people use. The most important thing is to use the language that feels most comfortable and true to you.

Understanding Gender Identity

Gender identity is about your internal sense of who you are, whether you feel male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else entirely. It's different from your sexual orientation, which is about who you are attracted to. Your gender identity is personal to you.

Here are some terms related to gender identity:

Cisgender: This means your gender identity is the same as the sex you were assigned at birth (usually based on your physical characteristics).
Transgender (or Trans): This is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Transgender Man (Trans Man): Someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man.
- Transgender Woman (Trans Woman): Someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman.
Non-binary: This is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. People who are non-binary might identify as both male and female, neither male nor female, or a different gender altogether.
Genderqueer: Similar to non-binary, this term is used by people who don't identify with the traditional male/female gender binary.
Genderfluid: This means a person's gender identity is not fixed and may change over time.
Demigender: An umbrella term for non-binary identities that have a partial connection to a certain gender.
- Demiboy: A gender identity that is both male and genderless.
- Demigirl: A gender identity that is both female and genderless.
Agender: This means a person does not identify with any gender.
Questioning: This is when you are exploring your gender identity and are unsure about how you identify. It's completely okay to be questioning your gender identity.

Using the right pronouns is important and shows respect for someone's gender identity. If you're unsure what pronouns someone uses, it's okay to politely ask.

Education and Being Yourself at School

Your school should be a place where you feel safe and accepted. In England, relationships and sex education (RSE) in secondary schools is now required to include teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. Primary schools are also encouraged to teach about different family types, which can include LGBT+ families.

This means your school should:

Teach you about diversity: You should learn about different identities and relationships in a way that is inclusive and respectful.
Have an anti-bullying policy that includes homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying: Your school should take action to prevent and address any bullying you might face because of your identity.
Support you in being yourself: Your school should respect your identity, including your name and pronouns if you are trans.

If you don't feel safe or supported at school, there are things you can do. You can talk to a trusted teacher, a school couns

LGBT+ Culture and History

Exploring LGBT+ culture and history can be really empowering. It helps you understand the journey of the community, the struggles faced, and the progress that has been made.

You can learn about:

Significant moments in UK LGBT+ history: Like the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the fight for equal rights, and the impact of events like the AIDS crisis.
Inspirational LGBT+ figures: Discover the stories of people who have made a difference in the UK and around the world.
LGBT+ art, literature, film, and music: Explore creative expressions of LGBT+ experiences and identities.
LGBT+ History Month: February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate and learn about LGBT+ history.

Understanding the past can help you feel more connected to the wider LGBT+ community and appreciate the progress that allows you to be more openly yourself today.

Local Resources in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset

If you're in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, or Dorset, there are local organisations specifically there to support young LGBT+ people like you.

Breakout Youth: This is a key charity supporting young people aged 11-25 across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who identify as LGBT+ or are questioning. They offer confidential one-to-one support and run regular youth groups in various locations across both counties, including Southampton, Basingstoke, Andover, the New Forest, and the Isle of Wight. They also have a virtual youth group option. You can contact them for details on group locations and times.
Space Youth Project: This project supports young LGBT+ people up to age 25 across Dorset. They run regular free youth groups in various towns across the county, including Bridport, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth, and Sherborne. They also offer one-to-one support and family support.
Y Services for Young People (Gosport and Fareham): They provide a weekly LGBTQ youth group for young people aged 13 to 19 in Gosport and Fareham, as well as one-to-one support.
No Limits (Southampton): While offering broad support to young people, No Limits in Southampton is a host for Breakout Youth and provides advice and support on relationships and sexuality.

These local services understand the specific needs of young people in your area and can offer tailored support and opportunities to connect with others nearby. Don't hesitate to reach out to them directly to find out more about their groups and services.

Being young and LGBT+ in the UK can have its challenges, but there is also a vibrant community, strong legal protections, and a growing network of support available to you. Embrace who you are, know your rights, and don't be afraid to reach out for help and connect with others. You are a valued part of the diverse tapestry of the UK.

Self care and Prevention

Video Showcase

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Related Conditions

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Further Information

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Acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is when the kidneys stop working over a short period of time – a few days or a few weeks. It is sometimes called acute kidney failure (AKF) or acute renal failure (ARF).

Allergy

Learn the basics about food allergies, their symptoms and how they are diagnosed. And if you have itchy eyes, a sneezy nose, wheezy chest or queasy stomach, you might have an allergy: find out more…

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fill-ax-is) is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Learn more about what you can do to avoid having an anaphylactic reaction or what to do if someone else if having a severe allergic reaction.

Arthritis

Arthritis doesn’t just affect the elderly. Find out more about conditions affecting the bones and joints of children and young people; to hear the experiences of a young person with arthritis, click here. The Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology and the Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association provide extremely useful information for young people.

Asthma

Don’t let having asthma stop you living your life. Learn more about asthma and find ways to help you stay well.

Click here for videos on inhaler technique.

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Brain tumour

Brain tumours are quite complex - at present, over 130 different types of 'high grade'(cancerous) or 'low grade' (non-cancerous) brain tumours are known. Find key information about brain tumours in young people including symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, and read advice on living with, or caring someone with, a brain tumour.

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Cancer

7 young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. You don’t have to face cancer alone - find out about cancer types, treatments and living with cancer as a teen or young adult. This information has been written specifically for you and reviewed by other young people with cancer. Hear the stories of other young people with cancer.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

For more information on CFS and the Specialist Chronic Fatigue (ME) Service for children and young people anywhere in the UK, please click here.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a lifelong condition. The kidneys gradually stop working as well as they should. This usually happens over many years.

Chronic pain

The Pain Toolkit is for people who live with persistent pain and Healthcare teams who support them. It helps people all over the world self manage persistent pain.

Cleft lip and palate

There are many young people in the UK who are born with a cleft lip or palate. Some of them have shared their stories about everything from school to surgery.

Coeliac Disease

Growing up with coeliac disease, especially in your teenage years, can have its challenges, especially as you eat out more with friends. Don’t be embarrassed about having coeliac disease; it’s part of you and your friends will understand.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis(CF) is one of the UK's most common life-threatening inherited diseases. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene. As a result, the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, become clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food. Find out more…

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Diabetes

Being a teenager is hard enough, without having Type 1 diabetes. Find out more about successfully living with Type 1 diabetes and getting through your teenage years. Listen to the experiences of young people with diabetes by clicking here. Or, to read a diabetes-inspired comic click here

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Eczema

‘Why do I have eczema?’ is a question asked by a lot of the young people with eczema. Find out more about eczema or listen to the experiences of other young people with eczema.

Epilepsy

If you’re a teenager with epilepsy, you probably have all sorts of questions about how epilepsy could affect your life. For example, will you be able to go on holiday with friends, go to concerts and clubs and drink alcohol? Or maybe you have a friend, brother or sister who has epilepsy and you just want to understand more about it. Or you can listen to the experiences of a young person with epilepsy by clicking here. Young epilepsy provides great help and support.

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FSGS and IgM nephropathy

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and IgM nephropathy cause nephrotic syndrome. This causes swelling in the body, especially in their face, legs and feet.

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Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritisis a group of conditions that cause inflammation (swelling) in the kidneys. Children with glomerulonephritis have blood and protein in their urine, and may have swelling in their body, especially in their face and legs. Find out more…

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Haematuria

Haematuriameans there is blood in the urine (wee). If there is a lot of blood, the urine may be red or dark brown. In most children, haematuria is not serious. In some children, it is a sign that there is a problem with their kidney and these children may need special treatment. Find out more…

Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome

In haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), the small blood vessels inside the kidneys are damaged. There are changes in the blood and the kidneys stop working properly.

Haemophilia

By the time you are a teenager, you may already be used to living with a bleeding disorder. However not all people with bleeding disorders are diagnosed earlier on in life, and a bleeding disorder may be entirely new for you. The information here should be able to reassure you about your bleeding disorder, and let you get on with the enjoyment of being a teenager..

Heart conditions

If you have a congenital heart condition, you might feel like you don't want to know every detail because it scares you. In fact you're not alone - many adults feel the same way. Find out more…

Henoch- Schonlein purpura (HSP)

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that affects different parts of the body. Tiny blood vessels in the body become inflamed or swollen.

HIV

It’s difficult being a young person with HIV but you’re not alone. Hear the experiences of other young people living with HIV. Find ways of accessing local support as well as the Body & Soul Beyond Boundaries programme.

Click here to watch a video from the BBC called HIV Positive: Seriously, you can't catch it from kissing.

Hydrocephalus

If you’re a teenager or young adult affected by hydrocephalus, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. You’ll find useful information to help you overcome the different challenges you may face.

Hypertension

Hypertension means that your blood pressure is too high. In some children, hypertension can be a serious condition. It can increase the risk of getting other diseases, especially if the hypertension continues into their adult years. Find out more…

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, affecting more than 300,000 people in the UK. Yet it is largely a hidden disease, and one that causes stigma, fear and isolation – it’s thought that many people with the condition go undiagnosed and suffer in silence. It doesn’t have to be like this. Learn more….

Info about your child's medication

Click here.

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Medical ID and alert products

Don’t let a medical condition change your life. Change the way you deal with it – by living as best you can with the security of a Medi band or Medic alert medical ID bracelet or wristband.

Metabolic conditios

Climb is the leading patient organisation for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, supporting thousands of families worldwide.

Mitochondrial disease

Mitochondrial Disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that can be inherited in a number of ways. Because there are many forms of mitochondrial disease and therefore Mitochondrial disease presents very differently from individual to individual.

When a person has Mitochondrial Disease the mitochondria in the cells are not producing enough energy. Sometimes they are not very efficient or they do not work at all. Depending on which Mitochondria are affected will depend on which organs are affected.

Activities like running, swimming, cycling or even simple ones likes walking or breathing can be difficult or completely impossible if you are suffering with Mitochondrial Diseases.

For help and for more information, visit the Abel Foundation website by clicking here.

Mitrofanoff

Bladder problems are not a subject that is openly discussed, hence there is a general lack of public knowledge on what it is like to have Mitrofanoff. Mitrofanoff Support offers emotional support and reassurance to anyone who may be about to have, or already has a Mitrofanoff and the people closest to them.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK)

A multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a kidney that has not developed normally in the womb. Instead of a working kidney, there is a bundle of cysts, which are like sacs filled with liquid. Find out more…

Muscular Dystrophy

Living with a neuromuscular condition can be a steep learning curve, but support is available. Find out more…

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Nephrotic syndrome

In nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys leak too much protein into the urine, leading to a drop in the levels of protein in the blood. This causes swelling in the body, especially in the face, legs and feet. Find out more… About half of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) have frequent relapses. This means that although the nephrotic syndrome gets better with steroids, it keeps coming back in a short space of time. Learn more about frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome.

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a condition that causes lumps called neurofibromas to grow on the covering of nerves. Although doctors sometimes call the lumps tumours, they are not cancer. This information sheets offers you some facts and advice to help you.

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Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN)

PIGN causes inflammation (swelling) in the kidneys. Young people with PIGN have blood and protein in their urine, and may have swelling in their body, especially around their face and legs. Find out more…

Primary immunodeficiency

If you are a young person with a primary immunodeficiency, there are probably loads of questions you’d like to know the answers to, things you maybe feel a bit embarrassed to ask about or you simply don’t know who to ask. Learn more here…

Proteinuria

Proteinuria means there is an abnormal amount of protein in the urine (wee). Normally there is very little protein that is lost in the urine. Find out more…

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Renal dysplasia

Renal dysplasia (or kidney dysplasia) means that a kidney does not fully develop in the womb.The affected kidney does not have normal function – which means that it does not work as well as a normal kidney. It is usually smaller than usual, and may have some cysts, which are like sacs filled with liquid. Find out more…

Renal hypoplasia

Renal hypoplasia (or kidney hypoplasia) means that part of a kidney does not fully develop in the womb. The kidney may only be slightly smaller than usual or it may be tiny. Because of its size, it may not work as well as a normal-sized kidney. Find out more…

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Scoliosis

Advice on what you can do if you have scoliosis or if you have just been diagnosed with it. Find out more…

Sickle Cell Disease

Advice for young people living with sickle cell disease. You are not alone. Click here for more information.

Spina bifida

Spina bifida literally means ‘split spine’. A fault in the development of the spinal cord and surrounding bones (vertebrae) leaves a gap or split in the spine. The spinal cord has not formed properly, and may also be damaged. Find out more…

Syncope

Syncope (pronounced sin-co-pee) is a medical term for a blackout that is caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to the brain. Reflex syncope is one of the most common forms of syncope. Find out more…

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Thalassaemia

Thalassaemia is a complex condition affecting the blood that requires constant monitoring and treatment. However, it is no longer just a disease of childhood; with our current level of knowledge, of treatment, of support and care there is no reason for a young person with thalassaemia to not reach their full potential.

Tuberous Sclerosis

An estimated 1 million people worldwide have TSC. Some will be diagnosed with TSC very early in life whilst others may not be diagnosed until later childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Find out more…

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Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that may cause you pain when you pee. Sometimes it can result in a kidney infection. Find out more…

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Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease is the most common type of bleeding disorder: it’s estimated that around 1% of the world population may be affected. It affects the blood’s ability to clot and can cause symptoms such as easy bruising, nosebleeds, and heavy periods. It may also be hard to stop bleeding after injury or surgery. Find out more…