LGBTQ+ Students
You've made it to the LGBTQ+ Corner!🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Hello and a very warm welcome. 💜
Many of us are apart from our families because they could not, or would not, accept us for being who we are. We are sorry that you experienced this. It is not right and you deserved so much better.
We want to re-iterate: There is NOTHING wrong with, and never will be anything wrong with, being any part of LGBT+. You are loveable. You are worthy.
Meet other LGBTQ+ people
LGBTQ+ Community within the This Is Us Community, it is specifically for estranged and care experienced students and recent graduates who are also LGBTQ+.
Mermaids If you’re a trans or non-binary young person, try one of Mermaids’ local groups or join the Youth Forum to attend online drop-ins and meet other young people like you! Mermaids also has great trans-specific resources, so check them out.
The Proud Trust You can find local LGBTQ+ youth groups and meet people like you using this tool. Just pop in your location and choose which type of youth group you’re looking for. LGBT+ Youth Groups - The Proud Trust
Exploring being LGBTQ+...
'This Book is Gay' by Juno Dawson. It is as a wonderful, funny and pertinent starting point about being lesbian, bisexual, gay, queer, transgender or just curious - for everybody, no matter their gender or sexuality
'Am I a Lesbian' Masterdoc: also a fantastic source written by Angeli Luz, Tumblr. You can find the Masterdoc with a quick Google or here on Comphet.
Stonewall Young Futures is a hub for all young lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people thinking about their next steps.
Dear Homophobe is the first interactive collection of queerphobic statements (and arguments against them).
Advice for coming out, if this is something you want to do...
Coming out as a young person - Stonewall ~ Coming out as an adult - Stonewall
10 Things You Need to Know Before You Come Out to Your Parents - Vogue
9 Tips for Coming Out as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual - Ditch the Label
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Our helpline is for LGBT+ people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. We are also here for people supporting a survivor of domestic abuse; friends, families and those working with a survivor.
LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline
If you’ve experienced anti-LGBT+ violence, abuse or harassment, and need a safe space to talk, our LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline is here for you. You can talk to our helpline team about insults, intimidation, threats, online abuse or violence targeting you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
National Conversion Therapy Helpline
If you are currently experiencing abuse aimed at changing, altering, or ‘curing’ your LGBT+ identity, or think this will happen to you if you come out, Galop’s Conversion Therapy Helpline is here for you. So-called conversion therapy can have a long-term impact on LGBT+ people. If this has happened to you in the past and you are still struggling with it, you can reach out to Galop’s support services. The helpline can provide a safe, confidential listening and information service to any LGBT+ person aged 13+.
Some Stories & Lived Experiences of young Estranged and CE LGBT+ people
Coming Out in a Muslim Family
"My wish is that this story brings a bit of hope and courage to those who are desperate to come out and be their authentic selves amongst their families, no matter what the religion or culture."
Website: HuffPost
BARE ALL | The reality of estrangement with Blair Anderson
As an estranged individual himself, Blair has had years of battling against his family because they chose not to accept him for being gay. A story, we’re sure many can relate to.
Website: Bare All
Jess Guilbeaux on How Queer Eye Changed Her Life & the Road to Self Love
'You were adopted, and when your adoptive parents found out you were gay, they disowned you at age 16 — as Karamo described it, “it was like a one-two punch.” How did the Fab Five help combat your former feelings of inadequacy?'
Website: The Everygirl
My Story : Coming Out To My Religious Russian Family
Sasha Domansky shares his story of coming out: "This video is about My story of when i came out as gay to my family almost 3 years ago, and about mu journey to where I am now. Hope this inspires somebody!"
You can find more stories from our Irish and UK community on the Our Stories & Lived Experiences page
Some LGBT Support Organisations and Mental Health Help
Are an organisation that are fully committed to the genuine acceptance of difference, and of the right for everyone to be who they are and who they wish to be.
"We pioneer excellence on behalf of LGBTQ+ care experienced young people and strive to develop an ethos of tolerance, understanding and inclusive practice across all agencies working with looked after children and care leavers nationwide. Our initiatives focus on impactful tools, resources, networking and actions that make a difference. We are committed to sharing best practice with local authorities, schools and other children’s organisations, as we ourselves are open to learning from others."
LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.
Their services reduce isolation amongst our communities, help people feel more confident and in control of their lives, and enable people to flourish.
Pink Therapy is the UK’s largest independent therapy organisation working with gender and sexual diversity clients.
You can search and find therapists on their site.
Website: https://www.pinktherapy.com/
The Gendered Intelligence (GI) Network for Therapists and Counsellors has lots of resources and support for young trans, gender-queer, intersex and non-binary people.
This includes all sorts - there is even an 'Annual Trans Camping Trip'!
Website: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/support/trans-youth
Switchboard provides an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
Website: https://switchboard.lgbt/help/
Imaan is the UK's leading LGBTQ+ Muslim charity. Imaan was founded in 1999 in London. Watch the short film above for an overview of their history.
Website: https://imaanlondon.wordpress.com/
Regard is a national organisation of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) who self-identify as disabled. We follow the Social Model of Disability. This is a way of thinking about disability that says it is society that needs to change by removing the barriers that deny us inclusion and equal rights.
Website: http://regard.org.uk/about-us/
Mind's About LGBTIQ+ mental health page:
It's important to remember that you deserve support and respect, whatever your identity or background.
Their page on LGBTIQ+ mental health support covers lots of options. This includes tips on self-care, seeking help and specialist LGBTIQ+ services.
Their page of useful contacts also lists many more places you could turn to for advice and support.
Website: Mind
Deaf LGBTIQA helps to provide information, represent and support deaf people who are either coming out and/or identify with LGBTIQA.
Website: http://deaflgbtiqa.org.uk/about/
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