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LGBTQIA+

What is does it stand for?

LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersex, asexual, and others. The “plus” represents other sexual identities, including pansexual.  The acronym is used to represent a diverse range of sexualities and gender-identities, referring to anyone who is transgender and/or same/similar gender attracted.  This is often shortened to LGBT+.

People with an LGBT+ identity can find it difficult to navigate moving through childhood and early adulthood, and can experience mental health issues in later life. LGBT+ people often struggle to find places to be themselves with groups of people who understand them.

There are things the LGBT+ community face that can sometimes make life feel overwhelming or unmanageable. Feelings of shame can be a big factor that impacts on mental health and well being. There are also numerous things that can make reaching out for help difficult, such as complex relationships with family or with healthcare professionals. External pressures can also lead to internalised homophobia and feelings sometimes known as ‘minority stress’. ‘Minority stress’ is the result of someone experiencing stress based on their ethnicity, race, sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Like all children and young people, members of the LGBT+ community are more likely to feel happy, safe and fulfil their potential if they are:

  • Able to be themselves and valued for who they are
  • Feel included and part of the school, college or setting’s community
  • Have access to resources and information that reflect who they are
  • Are shown visible role models to reassure them that LGBT+ people can be happy and successful.
  • Feel they have people to talk to and know how to access support services in school and in the local community, for example through local LGBT+ youth groups. (LGBT Youth Scotland, 2023, Stonewall, 2018).

If you are being bullied or want to talk to someone about how you are feeling, speak to a trusted adult within your school about this.

Resources & Support

There are now lots of easily accessible resources for LBGT+ people to support and promote positive mental health. Sometimes the relief for many could be coming out and being able to identify as their true self, others may find coming out to be a difficult experience. (LGBT Youth Scotland, 2023).

Mind has information about how someone’s identity and experiences identifying as LGBT+ can impact on their mental health and wellbeing: LGBTQIA+ experiences – Mind

There are guides provided by those who feel they may identify as LGBT to give advice on how to come out and for people who identify as Trans:

other resources

Video

Trigger warning: Some people may find the following videos distressing.

Shh! Silence Helps Homophobia — LGBT Youth Scotland (YouTube)

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