Global ethnic majority (gem)

Feeling different because of issues around ethnicity affecting  young people can be difficult

What does GEM mean? 

GEM stands for Global Ethnic Majority. It is the term used to refer to people from non- white communities.   This covers a wide range of backgrounds with various different cultural influences and potentially different needs.

This page looks at some of the issues affecting GEM young people and how to access support to be and celebrate yourself and have fun.

People from GEM communities often face individual and societal challenges that can affect their access to services and overall physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately GEM young people can face discrimination in the form of racism at times throughout their lives which research has shown cause great stress and impact upon mental well-being. 

Unfortunately, people from GEM communities may experience racism. This exists in societies from historical white privilege. ACTING IN A RACIST MANNER IS AGAINST THE LAW. Racism can be overt – obvious e.g. name calling, or covert; hidden and less obvious. Either way both are seeking to cause upset and distress. It could even be seen as part of an organisation for example the workforce is all white although many GEM people live in the area and have applied for work yet reference always given to white people.  This is institutional or systematic racism.
ISLAMAPHOBIA – is a form of racism. It is specifically prejudice against people from the Islamic religion or Muslims in general.  

Young people can suffer from racism through:

• Bullying and discrimination at school or work
• Being stereotyped
• Feeling upset, confused and depressed by other peoples’ actions towards you
• Keeping things bottled up
• Struggling to get through day to day
• Low mood, low self esteem
• Prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes.

Things to consider about being GEM

Some people have little or no understanding around different ethnicities and this may affect their ability to have a relationship with you. This is their problem not yours.

It may be difficult to start a conversation about your ethnicity but it can help you have a closer and more honest relationship with family and friends. It is up to you IF you want to do this (or who you speak to) but remember that some people may not understand or be hostile.

Thankfully, on the whole most people are good. However if you do experience discrimination or bullying there are people out there who can help you. Experiences of such discrimination can have a really bad impact on our well-being and mental health.  Look after yourself.

 Believe in yourself. Be proud. Celebrate culture and diversity.

• I am a part of a great and vibrant community
• I am interesting
• I enjoy many things from my heritage – fashion, music, food
• You enjoy many things from my heritage – Chicken tikka masala is more popular than fish and chips!
• My ancestors have stood up to and fought racism and oppression
• I have conquered and overcome much to give myself a better life
• I understand oppression. I understand bullying. I can support others to overcome these. 
• I am resilient          
• When feeling strong I will engage in conversations to overcome the ignorance of others.