Attitudes

LGB young people often find that the attitudes of other people can lead to them feeling negative about being gay.

Workers should build a programme that reflects all aspects of being gay and bisexual and should challenge LGB young people’s perceptions of the gay community through discussion. A balanced programme that may even conform to some stereotypes of the gay community is needed if acceptance of community is to be embraced by all. Prejudices expressed by workers can often hinder this process and all workers need to be aware of their own discriminatory attitudes.

Schools

Many of the issues raised here focus on homophobia towards LGB young people by school staff and other pupils. There is also evidence highlighting the lack of sex and relationships education in schools. The average age of LGB young people feeling different to their peers varies, but they are usually aware of this by the age of 13 and before puberty. The period between LGB young people feeling different and talking to someone about it can be lengthy because of a lack of confidence and information. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, low self-esteem, self hate, anxiety and suicide.

LGB young people attending youth groups should be able to build their own independent peer support groups within them. This should also be encouraged through working with young people on issues such as friendship. This leads to LGB young people gaining support away from the school environment.

Workers are often asked to provide schools with training or Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons on sexuality. It is recommended that this work starts with teachers as they can then deliver the training to their students. Students will then learn about  the schools policy on homophobic bullying. There is now a great deal work within schools on sexuality issues.

This article was last reviewed on: 27/10/11
Date due for next review: 27/10/13