LGBTQ+ Resources for Children, Adolescents, Parents & Schools
Stonewall Young Futures
- Website link: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/young-futures
- Email: info@stonewall.org.uk
- For more information, please see here: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
MindOut
- Website link: https://www.mindout.org.uk/
- A mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people, who work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities and to make mental health a community concern.
- They offer an Online Support service, which is free and open every day for several hours, with a changing timetable, which can be viewed and accessed through their website: https://mindout.org.uk/get-support
- Email: info@mindout.org.uk
- Phone: 01273 234839
- Online Support service (see website for opening times, which vary) – when they are online, you can contact one of their Online Support Workers in confidence for instant chat; see the box in the bottom right hand corner
- They also provide a wide range of flyers and leaflets, available for download here: https://www.mindout.org.uk/resources/
Allsorts Youth Project
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Website link: https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/
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An LGBT+ youth charity that listens to, supports, and connects children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTU) of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
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They also offer a list of resources and links for health and support, including crisis support, mental health support, bullying, sexual health, and more: https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support
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For contact details, please see: https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/contact
It Gets Better UK
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Website link: https://www.itgetsbetter.org.uk/
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An international movement that envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals.
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The project aims to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ young people.
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You can get involved and submit a video here: https://www.itgetsbetter.org.uk/get-involved
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They produce positive and uplifting social media content on various social media platforms:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItGetsBetterUK/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itgetsbetter/
The Proud Trust
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Website link: https://www.theproudtrust.org/
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They do this through youth groups, coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks, managing the LGBT+ Centre for Manchester, delivering of training, running events and campaigns, undertaking research and creating resources.
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A section of their website is designed specifically for young people: https://www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people/
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Provide resources exploring people’s people’s experiences of navigating LGBT+ identities along with ethnicity, religious/faith and cultural identities – these are available for download here:
Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre
- Website link: https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/
- Mosaic works with LGBT+ persons age 13-19
- They run a wide range of core activities, programs and services, including:
- Link for more information: https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/young-persons
NSPCC Gender identity
- Website link: Gender identity | NSPCC
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
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Website link: https://www.fflag.org.uk/
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A national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans children.
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Provides some helpful resources and guides available for download here: https://www.fflag.org.uk/booklets-posters-forms/
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Also provides links to other support groups and organisations: https://www.fflag.org.uk/portfolio-item/links-to-other-support/
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Provides a helpful list of suggestions for books that address issues of difference, for both parents and teachers (suitable for a Primary School classroom): https://www.fflag.org.uk/parents-and-teachers/
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What should my transgender child’s school be doing to help? (by Mermaids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeDqXpE-sRI
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What LGBT Students Want You To Know (by Teach for America): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G4vA6TsX4
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What is gender? (Inspiring Equality in Education) (by EACH UK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlYtj0sf6ec&feature=emb_title
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Deaf LGBTIQA provides information, represents and supports deaf people who are either coming out and/or identify with LGBTIQA. https://deafrainbowuk.org.uk/
Terrence Higgins Trust
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Website link: https://www.tht.org.uk/
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Offers a wide range of support services, including: emotional support and information by phone, help with accessing HIV testing, treatment advice, contact with support groups, and more
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For information on how to contact them, please see here: https://www.tht.org.uk/contact-us
Galop
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Website link: https://www.galop.org.uk/
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Supports lesbian, gay bisexual and trans people experiencing hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence
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Offers factsheets and leaflets, available for download here: http://www.galop.org.uk/factsheets/
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National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/
London Friend
- Website link: https://londonfriend.org.uk/
- The UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity, London Friend aims to support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBT community in and around London
- They offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence; their services are delivered by trained LGBT volunteers
- Their website provides information on topics including:
- Mental Health: https://londonfriend.org.uk/mental-health/
- Coming Out: https://londonfriend.org.uk/coming-out/
- Counselling: https://londonfriend.org.uk/counselling/
Switchboard
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Website link: https://switchboard.lgbt/
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A helpline operated by LGBT+ volunteers, providing a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.
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Telephone: 0300 330 0630, available 10:00-22:00 every day
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Online chat (check whether the chat is open here: https://switchboard.lgbt/)
Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
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Website link: https://www.akt.org.uk/
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AKT is an organisation created to help LGBT young people aged 16 –25 who are homeless, living in a hostile environment or are in a housing crisis to find safe homes, employment, education or training and to celebrate their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.
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AKT can help you: stay safe in a crisis, find emergency accommodation, access specialist support
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https://www.akt.org.uk/Blogs/online, providing information on topics including:
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How do I tell my parents?: https://www.akt.org.uk/blog/how-do-i-tell-my-parents
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Staying safe online while LGBTQ+: https://www.akt.org.uk/blog/safe-online
- Wellbeing: top tips: https://www.akt.org.uk/blog/wellbeing-top-tips
Redbridge Rainbow Community
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Website link: https://www.redbridgerainbowcommunity.org.uk/
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Aims to help support and connect LGBT+ people who live, work, socialise and study in the Borough of Redbridge
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Organises social events including film nights, meet-ups for friendship and support
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Provides training for local organisations on LGBT+ issues
Families Together London
- Website link: https://www.familiestogetherlondon.com/
- Read about other parents’ stories and experiences here: https://www.familiestogetherlondon.com/our-stories-home
- The following books are recommended by Families Together London; for more, please see here: https://www.familiestogetherlondon.com/library
- Mommy, Mama, and Me, by Leslea Newman (author) & Carol Thompson (illustrator) (ages 3-7 years)
- I Am Jazz, by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings (ages 5-8 years)
- This Day in June, by Gayle E. Pitman (author) & Kristyna Litten (illustrator) (ages 5-8 years)
- My Princess Boy, by Cheryl Kildavos (ages 4-8 years)
- The following books are recommended by Abe Books; for more, please see here: https://www.abebooks.com/books/features/pride/30-LGBT-YA-books/
- All Out, edited by Saundra Mitchell
- It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, by Misa Sugiura
- Luna, by Julie Anne Peters
- My Genderation: Tayler, 14 year old trans kid (by My Genderation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfIXiJbm7ms&feature=emb_title
- CBBC My Life – “I Am Leo” (by CBBC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMCPeFVE3T4
- It Gets Better Project: https://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject — A playlist of uplifting and inspiring videos by lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender young people and celebrities.
- LGBTQ – 8 Coming Out Tips (by Psych2Go): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbiXhMUwlJA
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5 Tips for Parents of LGBT Kids (by The Advocate, featuring Susan Cottrell, mother of 5): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Ev2QG0W9M
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Caring for LGBTQ Youth: Tips for Parents & Caregivers | UCLA EMPWR Program (by UCLA Health): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAxLlj7SJn8
Mosaic
- Website link: https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/
- Offers advice for parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ people: https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/advice/
- Provides support by offering one-off meetings to asses parent/guardian needs and provide tailored guidance — for more information, please see here:
- List of helpful resources: https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/guardian-resources/
LGBT+ faith support
Keshet works to ensure a world where no one has to choose between their LGBT+ and their Jewish identity. https://www.keshetuk.org/
- The organisation founded by Pastor Jide Macaulay aims to foster better relationships among QTIPOC individuals, people of faith and allies, in order to create a safer and more inclusive community.
- They assist with issues and challenges such as asylum seekers’ support, sexual health, counselling and pastoral care.
- Link: https://www.houseofrainbow.org/
Sarbat is a social and support group for LGBT Sikhs.
- They believe there is no room for discrimination within the community for being who you are.
- They aim for local volunteers to commence Sarbat groups globally. Based in London, they organise events around the UK including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Bradford and New York
- http://www.sarbat.net/
Twilight People discovers and celebrates the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people of faith in the UK past and present. http://www.twilightpeople.com/
Hidayah ’s mission is 'to provide support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims and promote social justice and education about the Muslim LGBTQI+ community to counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice.' https://www.hidayahlgbt.co.uk/
Imaan: a national LGBTQ Muslim charity, Imaan supports LGBT Muslim people, their families and friends, to address issues of sexual orientation within Islam.
- It provides a safe space and support network to address issues of common concern through sharing individual experiences and institutional resources. https://imaanlondon.wordpress.com/
London Queer Muslim The UK's only Islamic organisation run exclusively by and for religious LGBTQI+ Muslims. https://londonqueermuslims.com/
The Inclusive Mosque Initiative: The Inclusive Mosque Initiative is a registered charity that creates safe and inclusive places of worship and spiritual practice and promotes inclusive Islamic principles. http://inclusivemosque.org/
- The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali , by Sabina Khan (recommended by Scholastic): https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/the-love-and-lies-of-rukhsana-ali-9781338227017.html Available in Redbridge Libraries: https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/redbridge/search/detailnonmo dal/ent:$002f$002fERC_2092_680$002f0$002fERC_2092_680:OVERDRIVE:b 0642159-b09f-4be6-b4bc- 2a62cf31fc9b/one?qu=The+Love+and+Lies+of+Rukhsana+Ali&lm=REDBRIDG E
- It Gets Better UK – Pav Akhtar’s story (by It Gets Better UK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRbZlIOo4po&t=1s
AZ Magazine is an online publication for LGBT+ people of colour.
- This is a media platform that allows LGBT+ people of colour to showcase their talents and to address the issues that are faced in the BME community.
- They organise monthly AZ Hub events which are a social space for workshops, screenings, art display, discussion, performance and information sharing.
- Link: http://azmagazine.co.uk/
The BAME LGBT charity aims to empower and celebrate BAME LGBT+ in the UK through various initiatives. https://bame.lgbt/
Bi’s of Colour is a national group for bi people of colour. The group organises meetups, gives talks and collects writings on bisexuals of colour throughout the UK. https://bisofcolour.home.blog/
Bisi Almi Foundation is a charity supporting social acceptance for LGBT+ Nigerian.
- BAF aim to work towards a Nigeria where everyone is equal irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- They focus on three thematic areas, so as to contribute towards influencing opinions and views on LGBT issues in Nigeria – these are research, capacity development and stakeholder engagement.
- Link: https://www.bisialimifoundation.org/
BlackOut UK is a not-for-profit social enterprise run by black queer men.
- This group was created to recognise the need for black queer men to have a space to think, shout, show off, curse, celebrate, launch, reflect, share and be heard.
- They encourage and stimulate debate and discussion online and face to face through their website, writer workshops, networking events, and supporting interventions to meet the needs of black queer men.
- https://blkoutuk.com/
TPOCalypse Gendered Intelligence is a a youth group for trans, gender variant and questioning young people of colour aged 13-24.
- TPOCalypse is Gendered Intelligence's youth group for trans, gender variant and questioning young people of colour aged 13-25.
- They organise quarterly events as well as an annual residential programme. They hold screenings, panels and performances to create a celebratory and empowering space.
- Link: https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/trans-youth/BAM
DesiQ is a social space (Facebook group) for queer desi people of South Asian origin.
- The group welcomes those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, questioning/unsure and queer.
- The group is an intersectional radical and proud community. They use the space to heal, organise and build connections and ensure the community’s voice is heard.
- Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/desiQLondonSE/
Gaysians is a platform that promotes positive visibility for South Asian LGBT+ people.
- It is an alliance of charities, support groups, meet-ups, activists and leading voices within the community.
- These groups have joined forces to improve access to resources and services to the South Asian LGBT community, as well as to elevate their collective voice in mainstream media.
- Link: https://www.gaysians.org/
Queer Asia is a global platform that publishes and organises events platforming queer people from Asia.
- Queer Asia is a collective of early career researchers, doctoral researchers and activists, housed at SOAS, University of London.
- Their work connects queer activists, artists and academics globally who strive to challenge dominant ideas, forms and representations of gender and sexuality.
- They organise events including monthly seminars, screenings and discussions focusing on specific regions or disciplines pertaining to queer themes from Asia.
- Link: https://queerasia.com/
- Led by ethnic minorities, NAZ is dedicated to delivering culturally-specific free sexual health services to those historically left behind, recognising the large gap in the sexual health outcomes of BAME communities.
- They are one of the longest-established charities to focus predominately on sexual health improvement and HIV support services for BAME communities.
- They reach around 10,000 people each year.
- Link: http://www.naz.org.uk/
- Naz and Matt Foundation exists to empower and support LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex) individuals, their friends and family to work towards resolving challenges linked to sexuality or gender identity, particularly where religion is heavily influencing the situation.
- Individuals who are of South Asian heritage make up over 90% of the LGBTQI+ people who come to them for support.
- Link: https://www.nazandmattfoundation.org/
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They want QTIPOC people to come together to support each other in prioritising their care, safety and wellbeing as well as creating real dialogue for meaningful discussions.