LGBTQ+

1 April 2026

Being LGBTQ+ is not a problem to be fixed, or a phase to be worked through. It is a natural and valid part of who many young people are. However, living in a world that doesn’t always understand or support LGBTQ+ identities can sometimes impact the emotional wellbeing of young people in this community. This blog is going to explore why this happens and how young people, families, friends and allies can access and provide support.

Key Words and Phrases:

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/and or Questioning. The ‘+’ included many other identities such as intersex, asexual, and pansexual. It’s an umbrella term that reflects diversity and inclusion and reminds us that there are so many different ways to be yourself.

Gender Identity refers to how someone understands and experiences their own gender such as male, female or non-binary.

Sexual Orientation describes who someone feels romantically, or physically attracted to.

Questioning is often used by people who are still exploring or figuring out their identity. It is completely ok to not have everything figured out yet, and if you do not have an exact term to label for your gender or sexual identity, this does not mean you cannot be part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Queer: A term used by those wanting to reject specific labels of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Coming out describes when someone chooses to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with others. This is often not a one-off event, and LGBTQ+ people can find themselves coming out to different people, at different times throughout their lives. This can feel like a big step for many young people, particularly if they do not know how those around them are going to react. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The important thing is that you do this in a way that feels right and safe for you.

Outing someone is where someone shares a person’s gender or sexual identity to others without their permission or knowledge. This can often feel really scary, as this takes away the control from the person whose identity is being shared.

Challenges: While every person deserves to feel safe to identify as whatever they feel best reflects who they are, we currently live in a world that doesn’t always understand or support LGBTQ+ identities, which can impact emotional wellbeing. Research shows us that LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties compared to their heterosexual peers. Importantly, this is not related to being LGBTQ+ itself, but due to the extra pressures members of this community may face. These extra pressures can include:

Stigma: For many years, LGBTQ+ identities were not socially or legally accepted. In the UK, it was illegal to be homosexual (identifying as being physically or emotionally attracted to someone of the same sex) until 1967. Although laws have now changed, the impact of history can still shape how safe or accepted someone feels, and outdated, negative attitudes towards being LGBTQ+ still widely exist.

Discrimination and Bullying: Teasing, exclusion from social groups, name calling or online negativity just because you identify differently to the people around you, can affect confidence and sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ young people.

Microaggressions: This is the term used for when small comments or phrases are used every day, which add up and create a negative association with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Phrases which we often hear are “that’s so gay” when describing something negative, or when insulting someone. While this might seem like a small comment, over time, this can add up and make people link being gay to something negative, which it is not.

Misgendering: Referring to someone using a word or pronoun which does not reflect that person’s gender identity. This can be particularly difficult for trans people, who do not feel accepted in their own gender identity when other people use the wrong language.

When someone repeatedly feels judged or unsafe, it makes sense that their mood and wellbeing can also be impacted. LGBTQ+ young people may notice and increase in overthinking, self-doubt, withdrawal from social situation and feelings of isolation. This is a human response to prolonged stress, which is often being caused by how others are treating LGBTQ+ people unfairly.

Strength, Pride and Community: While there are extra challenges LGBTQ+ young people may face, it is also worth noticing the power of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Many young people who explore and embrace their identity develop strong self-awareness, empathy and resilience. Questioning who you are and speaking up for yourself often builds emotional insight and courage.

LGBTQ+ spaces (whether in schools, youth groups or online) can provide a space for young people to be safe to express themselves, feel a sense of belonging, and develop a sense of pride for who they are.

Positive representations in the media also go a long way to helping young people who are figuring out their identity feel less judged and isolated. Recent TV shows such as Heartstopper or The Owl House have created safe spaces in mainstream media for young people to develop an understanding of what LGBTQ+ is and why it is so important to accept difference in identity in everyone around us.

How to Help: It can be important for us to change the narrative when discussing identity. Identity can be a source of confidence, connection and joy, and support should not be about changing a person’s identity, but helping them thrive within it. Emotional wellbeing support isn’t about changing who someone is. It’s about strengthening coping skills, building self-confidence and creating safe spaces where identity is respected and celebrated.

For friends and peers: Some key things that you can do which will make a big difference to LGBTQ+ young people around you are:

• Not making assumptions.
• Challenging unkind language you hear (like that microaggression mentioned earlier: “that’s so gay”).
• Using things called microaffirmations. This is where we regularly show small, daily, verbal or non-verbal gestures that signal support and validate other people’s identities. Over time, this can build a safe and respectful environment for everyone to thrive in.
• Take responsibility if you get something wrong. We do not mean to make mistakes, but if this mistake impacts how someone feels, it can be really useful to apologise, and learn how to manage this better in the future.
• Ask about pronouns. People may use different pronouns: he/him, she/her, they/them or any combination of these and more. By asking a person which pronouns they would like you to use, you validate them and their gender identity.
• Ask how you can help. Each person is different and being LGBTQ+ can be challenging at times. Ask what you that you can do to make a difference and support everyone around you.

For parents and carers: Acceptance at home is one of the strongest protective factors. You don’t need perfect language, just being there to listen, staying curious and showing consistent care can make a huge difference. Parents have also shared that a child coming out can be an equally confusing time for them. It is ok to not immediately know how to react or what you should be doing next. Just being there, showing an interest, and committing to educate yourself to best support your child moving forward is the first step.

For LGBTQ+ young people: You do not have to navigate this alone, and there is no rush to figure everything out. You deserve to feel safe, valued and proud of who you are. Sometimes pressure and unkindness from people around us mean we need help navigating this time. Within the Emotional Wellbeing Service, we work with people aged 5-18 and their families to support confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing that affirms and respect’s identity. If you need help, you don’t have to manage alone. You deserve to be you, and we want to help you feel safe and confident to do that.

Further Support and Information:

Stonewall: The leading LGBTQ+ charity providing resources for young people, families and schools including guidance on allyship and inclusion.

Mermaids: Support for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse children, young people and their families.