Episode 7: LGBTQ+ Takeover

For this week’s episode we are exploring the lived-experience of four LGBTQ+ teens and young adults.

They discuss four subjects:

1. Discovering you are gay
2. Coming out
3. Managing your mental health
4. How LGBTQ+ youth centres and safe spaces can help

So, whether you are figuring out your own sexuality or you would like to better understand the challenges that others face – we hope you enjoy this episode.  

 

If you would like to connect with The Brunswick Centre click here to find a list of useful contact numbers.

https://www.thebrunswickcentre.org.uk/services/youth-services

Special thanks to C+K and Brunswick Centre for their support in producing this podcast.

 

Here are some other organisations that offer support for young people:

Support & Community

1. The Trevor Project
   https://www.thetrevorproject.org
   Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Their TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat services are available 24/7.
2. LGBT Foundation (UK)
   https://lgbt.foundation
   Offers a range of services, including helplines, mental health support, and youth-focused resources for LGBTQ+ people in the UK.
3. It Gets Better Project
   https://itgetsbetter.org
   This project shares uplifting stories of LGBTQ+ people, providing inspiration and support through personal experiences.
4. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)
   https://www.glsen.org
   Works to create safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ+ youth, with a focus on bullying prevention, teacher support, and educational resources.

Mental Health Resources

1. MindOut (UK)
   https://www.mindout.org.uk
   An LGBTQ+ mental health service providing information, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, including an online chat service.
2. Q Chat Space
   https://www.qchatspace.org
   An online community where LGBTQ+ teens can connect with each other and trained facilitators in a safe and confidential environment.
3. Switchboard (UK)
   https://switchboard.lgbt
   Offers a confidential helpline, chat, and email service providing support for LGBTQ+ issues, available to all ages but particularly helpful for youth.

Sexual Health & Education

1. Scarleteen
   https://www.scarleteen.com
   A youth-driven site offering inclusive sex education and advice, with articles, forums, and a safe place to ask questions about sexuality, relationships, and health.
2. LGBTQ+ Guide from Planned Parenthood
   https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender
   Planned Parenthood provides resources on sexual orientation, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships as an LGBTQ+ person.
3. AVERT
   https://www.avert.org
   AVERT provides a range of information on LGBTQ+ health and sexual wellbeing, including advice on coming out, safe sex, and HIV awareness.

Educational and Advocacy Organisations

1. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - Youth & Schools
   https://www.hrc.org/resources/youth-schools
   Offers resources for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, focusing on LGBTQ+ rights, school policies, and advocacy.
2. Stonewall (UK)
   https://www.stonewall.org.uk
   One of the largest LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the UK, Stonewall provides resources on a wide range of LGBTQ+ topics, including youth programs and school support.
3. OutRight Action International
   https://outrightinternational.org
   Focuses on human rights for LGBTQ+ individuals globally, including advocacy resources and reports on issues facing LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.

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Special thanks to C+K for hosting us www.ckcareers.co.uk and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.

Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.