Why this work matters

The spaces where young people spend time, schools, youth groups, health services, and community settings all play an important role in shaping how safe, included, and understood they feel.

When adults working with young people are confident in supporting LGBTQ+ identities, it can make a real difference to wellbeing, belonging, and safety.

The reality for LGBTQ+ young people

Research and lived experience consistently show that many LGBTQ+ young people still face challenges across education, youth, and health settings.

Common themes include:

Experiences in education, youth, and community settings

• LGBTQ+ language is often used casually in a negative way
• Some young people experience bullying, exclusion, or misunderstanding
• Not all incidents are consistently challenged by adults
• Many young people do not feel confident speaking to an adult about identity

Experiences in health and support services

• Some young people worry about how they will be responded to
• Not all services feel equally inclusive or visible
• Young people may delay seeking help if they fear judgement

Identity, visibility, and belonging

• Many LGBTQ+ young people feel they need to hide parts of themselves in certain settings
• Lack of representation or inclusive language can increase isolation
• Some young people feel unsure where it is safe to be open

Impact on young people

When young people don’t feel safe or included, it can affect many areas of their lives.

This may include:

• avoiding or disengaging from services or activities
• increased anxiety or low mood
• reduced confidence and self-esteem
• feelings of isolation or disconnection
• increased risk of self-harm or harmful coping strategies
• difficulty concentrating or engaging fully in education or support

Every young person’s experience is different, but feeling unseen or unsafe can have a lasting impact 

What helps across all settings

Creating safer, more inclusive environments does not need to be complicated.

Small, consistent actions make a big difference, such as:

• challenging homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic language when it happens
• using inclusive and respectful language as standard practice
• making it clear that LGBTQ+ identities are welcomed and respected
• ensuring young people know who they can talk to
• including LGBTQ+ topics in conversations, curriculum, or group work
• supporting staff confidence through training and reflective practice

Whether you work in education, youth work, health, or community services, there are resources available to support inclusive practice.

Useful organisations include:

• Stonewall (education and workplace inclusion resources)
• PSHE Association (RSHE and relationships education guidance)
• NHS / local mental health services guidance on inclusive practice
• Schools OUT / LGBT+ History Month resources
• Government RSHE guidance (for education settings)

These can help support confident, informed, and consistent practice when working with LGBTQ+ young people

A final note

Creating inclusive spaces for young people is not about getting everything perfect — it’s about consistency, openness, and care

Small changes in language, approach, and confidence can make a real difference to how safe young people feel.

If you’d like to explore working with 2BU, we’re always happy to connect.