LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+
Lots of people in Cornwall positively accept and connect with LQBTQ+ people however, some people lack acceptance and understanding of children and young people who identify as anything other than heterosexual (straight).
This can trigger discrimination, exclusion, bullying and hate crime, which can then lead to being and feeling isolated, vulnerable or experiencing mental health difficulties.
This page aims to provide LGBTQ+ young people in Cornwall some ideas about where to go for support, advice and guidance in order to feel safe and address abuse if it happens.
While the internet offers a great opportunity for children who identify as LGBTQ+ to explore their identity and find supportive communities, they are also online risks that they may be more likely to experience. Here is a link to a guide for safely exploring your identity online and safely connecting with others as an LGBTQ+ young person.
Stonewall, an organisation who support and campaign for LGBTQ+ equality and rights, have found that lots of young people use the internet to seek support, meet people and gain acceptance. Young people in Cornwall said this is because they don't always feel accepted within their family or community or don't know others like them. "In Cornwall there are things there for LGBT but there is still a lot of stigma around our community so we don't always feel safe".
Support in Cornwall +
YAY Cornwall (Young and Yourself) is a youth group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning young people up to the age of 25 who live, work or who are visiting, at school or college in Cornwall. YAY offers a safe and supportive place for young people to meet, offer advice and guidance as well as working with schools to develop better understanding and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
"YAY was the first time I met people in person who were like me. Without it I would be alone in my sexuality and gender identity."
"YAY offer one2one support and can refer you to people if you struggle with mental health. The youth workers and + young people are very understanding and welcoming. I met my best friend through YAY and don't know what i'd do without them.!
"It's nice to be around people your age with similar experiences"
More advice and support +
Here are some more websites offering information and support around identity, sexuality and gender diversity....
Mermaids supports children and young people up to 20 years old who are transgender and/or gender diverse, and their families, and professionals involved in their care.
lgbtyouthincare pioneering excellence on behalf of LGBT+ children & young people in care, and strive to develop an ethos of tolerance, understanding and inclusive practice across all agencies working with looked after children nationwide.