LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+
Many LGBTQ+ young people tell us that they feel accepted and supported in Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly, but some say they still face misunderstanding or a lack of acceptance.
This can lead to discrimination, exclusion, bullying or hate crime, which can make people feel isolated or affect their mental health.
Young people told us that certain things can feel uncomfortable or unsafe...
Challenges Young People Experience
- Living in a small community can make you feel more visible, different or judged
- Difference or diversity can be even more magnified within small communities – LGBTQ+ children can feel more visible or isolated
- A fear of speaking up can disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ children, who might already find it hard to disclose worries of identity related issues
- Feeling judged for how they dress or express themselves
- Unkind or unsafe attitudes from people with racist, homophobic or sexist views
- Peer pressure or school experiences that feel intimidating
- Feeling unsafe at home if family aren’t supportive
- Heteronormativity – people assuming everyone is straight
Young people also shared what makes a positive difference...
What Helps Young People Feel Safe?
- Sharing stories – being proud of who they are, including being Cornish and LGBTQ+
- Feeling welcomed – many haven’t experienced homophobic behaviour at school or in the community
- Supportive friends, partners and community
- LGBTQ+ groups where people can be themselves
- Learning from others who are confident in their identity
- Seeing LGBTQ+ young people thriving
- Pride events across Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly
- Positive outlets – things like weightlifting, exercise and time in nature help build confidence and well-being
- Small moments of connection with others
- Feeling that Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly are generally safe places
- Freedom to express yourself
- Acts of kindness from unexpected places
Sources of Support
- YAY Cornwall (Young and Yourself) is a youth group for LGBTQ+ young people up to the age of 25 in Cornwall. YAY offers a safe and supportive place for young people to meet and get advice and guidance. They also work with schools to develop better understanding and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
- Worried about Hate Crime? Find out more here
- 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.
- LGBTQ+ Youth in Care provides training and guidance to all agencies working with looked after children nationwide - find out more here
- 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. 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.