​You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported as you explore who you are. Your identity is not a problem to solve. It is something you are allowed to grow into at your own pace. Safety is not only about the people around you. It also begins with how you speak to yourself, how you honour your feelings, and how you protect your own wellbeing. This is a helpful website, with some grounding techniques. They are written for stressful Christmas periods, but they can be applied to any time when you feel you need to connect with yourself https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/context-setting/

Safety within yourself
Feeling safe inside yourself means noticing what helps you feel calm, steady, and connected. It can include paying attention to your emotions, trusting your instincts, and giving yourself permission to step away from situations that feel uncomfortable. You can take time to breathe, rest, or reach out to someone who understands you. You can remind yourself that your feelings are real and that you deserve care. Internal safety is not about being perfect. It is about treating yourself with kindness and recognising when you need support. The Proud Trust offer some really good links to youth groups and resources https://www.theproudtrust.org/young-people/

Bullying, discrimination, or harassment  
If someone is treating you badly because of your gender, sexuality, or identity, it is not your fault and you do not have to deal with it alone. This is a Hate Crime. Anti LGBTQIA+ Bullying can be verbal, physical, online, or subtle, and all of it matters. Writing down what happened, saving screenshots, and telling someone you trust can help you feel more in control. Schools have a responsibility to keep you safe, and you can report something more than once if nothing changes. The Proud Trust website is a good resource to learning more about your rights https://www.theproudtrust.org/young-people/staying-safe/your-rights-and-the-law/

 

To report a Hate Crime please click here.

Talking to a trusted adult  
A trusted adult is anyone who makes you feel listened to and safer. This could be a teacher, youth worker, school nurse, counsellor, family member, or another adult in your life. You do not need the perfect words to start the conversation. You can simply say that something has happened and you need support. If the first adult you speak to is not helpful or does not take you seriously, you are allowed to try again with someone else. One person’s reaction does not decide the support you deserve.

Your rights in school  
You have the right to learn in an environment where you feel safe and respected. This includes protection from bullying, fair treatment, and access to support. You can ask about uniform options that fit your gender expression, you can join clubs and activities without discrimination, and you can expect staff to handle your information sensitively. Schools must take concerns about safety seriously, and you can ask how your information will be shared before you disclose something personal. For more info click here.

Understanding the current school guidance  
Government guidance is changing at the current time of writing this, and we will update this when things become a little clearer. Currently, government guidance in England says that pupils can socially transition at school, but requests should be treated with caution. Social transition includes things like using a different name, using different pronouns, changing uniform, or presenting in a way that matches your gender. The guidance says that parents must be involved in the majority of cases where a young person asks to socially transition. 
- You are still allowed to ask for support with your name, pronouns, or how you present.  
- You can ask how your information will be shared before you tell someone something personal.  
- You can say if you do not feel safe involving your parents, and the school must think carefully about how to keep you safe.  
- You can still talk to a trusted adult in school or in the community if you are unsure what to do.  
- You are not doing anything wrong by exploring your gender or asking for support.

If the guidance makes things feel harder  
Some young people feel that the new guidance may make school less safe or less supportive. Campaigners have said that the guidance could leave trans children feeling like they have no hope of happiness because decisions may not match what they need.  If you feel this way, it is important to reach out to someone who can support you, such as our youth workers, a school nurse, or other LGBTQIA+ organisations. 

If home is not safe or you are facing homelessness  
Some young people do not feel safe being themselves at home, and that can be frightening and isolating. You are not doing anything wrong by being LGBTQIA+. If you are worried about how your family might react, or if you are already experiencing conflict or harm, you can talk to a teacher, youth worker, or another trusted adult about what is happening. If you are at risk of homelessness, some services can help you find safe accommodation and support. You deserve stability and safety, and you are not alone. Gloucestershire Nightstop is a LGBTQ+ inclusive charity supporting young people aged 16-25 facing homelessness. www.gloucestershirenightstop.uk

Mental health and recognising when you need help  
It is common for LGBTQIA+ young people to feel stressed, low, or overwhelmed, especially if you are dealing with identity questions, school pressure, or difficult relationships. Signs you might need support include feeling numb or hopeless, withdrawing from friends, struggling to sleep, or feeling constantly on edge. Talking to someone you trust, asking for a school counsellor, or reaching out to a youth worker can be a first step. You do not have to wait until things feel bad enough to ask for help. Link to local services. 

Support for trans and gender questioning young people  
If you are exploring your gender, you deserve support that is respectful and safe. You can ask teachers or youth workers about using a different name or pronouns, and you can talk to a GP or school nurse if you want information about healthcare or next steps. You are allowed to explore your gender at your own pace, and you do not need to have everything figured out to ask for support. If someone dismisses your identity, that does not make it any less real.

Helpful websites and links: 

Gender Construction Kit
genderkit.org.uk
Information for queer people about the legal and medical process of expressing your gender.

Gendered Intelligence
genderedintelligence.co.uk
Charity supporting young trans people aged under 25, and information for their parents and carers.

Mermaids
0808 801 0400
mermaidsuk.org.uk
Supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, and their families and carers. Offers a helpline and webchat.