LGBTQI+

The acronym ‘LGBTQI+’ refers to people that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex. The + refers to an inclusive term for people who do not feel that they fit into traditional categories of sexuality or gender.

While being a member of the LGBTQI+ community is not automatically a risk factor for poor mental health, evidence suggests that LGBTQI+ young people may be more susceptible to mental health problems.

A research project into the mental health of LGBTQI+ young people, conducted by Youth Chances, found that LGBTQI+ young people report significantly higher levels of mental health problems including depression and anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

52% of LGBTQI+ people reported self-harming, compared to 35% of heterosexual non-trans young people. 44% of the LGBTQI+ young people surveyed reported suicidal thoughts, compared to 26% of heterosexual respondents.

How does identifying as LGBTQI+ affect children and young people’s mental health?

There are a range of complex risk factors that affect LGBTQI+ children and young people and contribute to the disproportionately high level of mental health difficulties in this community. These risk factors include:

Discrimination and bullying: Research has found that nearly half of children and young people who identify as LGBTQI+ are subject to bullying in school.

Hate crime: People who identify as LGBTQI+ are more likely to experience hate crimes or act of violence compared to heterosexual people.

Isolation within the community: Identifying as LGBTQI+ can lead to children and young people feeling isolated and on the outside of friendship groups at school and at external clubs or activities. They can struggle with finding friendships where they feel accepted and comfortable.

Coming out: Whilst the coming out process can be a liberating process for children and young people, it can also be a highly stressful and challenging time or a combination of both. It can also be a process that happens numerous times within their childhood.

Discrimination in healthcare: LGBTQI+ children and young people and their parents or carers may experience discrimination. As a result, this may affect their ability to access services and the same level of support as the general population, for both their physical and mental health needs.

Family problems: Some children and young people who identify as LGBTQI+ are rejected by their family and support network which may be due to conflicting religious or cultural beliefs and values. This can even lead to homelessness - nearly 1 in 10 LGBTQI+ young people have had to leave home for reasons relating to their sexuality or gender identity.

How can schools and further education settings support LGBTQI+ students?

If you are at all concerned about a child or young person, you should always speak to your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority. They will be able to advise on suitable next steps, and speaking to them about any concerns should always be the first action you take, ahead of any of the suggestions on this page.

There are a range of ways that education professionals can offer support to students that identify as LGBTQI+:

Build respectful relationships with children and young people, making it easier for them to ask for help and support if they need it
Listen to and respect the language people use to describe their identity, gender, sexual orientation and relationships.
Avoid making assumptions about people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, consider using gender neutral terms, for example ‘partner’ instead of ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’.
Assist the student to make connections with others who may have similar experiences can be helpful. This could include other young people that have mental health problems and/or with other LGBTQI+ young people in the community. This may include linking them with a local LGBTQI+ support group or online community.
Always take LGBTQI+ discrimination seriously. For example, by supporting students to report instances of hate-crime or bullying, or by establishing strong anti-discrimination policies in your school environment.
Speak about LGBTQI+ issues and support public LGBTQI+ events such as Pride Month within the school to help create a more open, comfortable and welcoming environment.
Help students access specialist LGBTQI+ mental health services
- Guide the student to talk with their GP about a referral for talking therapies.
- Assist students to self-refer to LGBTQI+ charity sector organisations who may also offer free or low-cost support.
- Provide information on helplines and online support services.
- Signpost students and families to private therapists if requested; the Pink Therapy online directory lists therapists who work with LGBTQI+ clients.
- Support students to access help for suicidal feelings including crisis mental health services.

How can schools support students who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity?

Some students may not be openly LGBTQ+, but may still be questioning their sexuality or gender identity. Schools can offer support to these students in many ways:

Don’t make assumptions. Let them tell you when they’re ready. Give them time and space to understand themselves, and to become more comfortable about sharing something so personal with you.
Ask questions, and then listen. Showing interest in how they see themselves, and in their experiences at school and in their social life, will help them open up.

Support services

Stonewall

Stonewall is a charity offering help and advice to LGBTQI+ communities. Their information-service lines are open from 9:30 – 4:30, Monday to Friday: 0800 0502020.

Find out more

The Proud Trust

The Proud Trust is an organisation that helps empower young people in the LGBTQI+ community.

Find out more

The Albert Kennedy Trust

The Albert Kennedy Trust is a charity that supports young LGBTQI+ people between 16 and 25 years old who are experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

Find out more