LGBTQIA+
Everybody is different. Whether it is likes, dislikes, hobbies/ interests, opinions and so on, we are all individuals and that is something to celebrate!
Can you imagine what life would be like if everyone thought, looked and dressed the same?
We live in a world where it is assumed that you are straight (heterosexual) and either male or female until you are asked, you decide to tell someone or 'come out'.
However, there is a spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity and lots of people feel they identify better with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Exploring Your Identity
Your sexuality/ sexual orientation and gender identity are part of what makes you, you!
Some people confuse sexuality and gender, but they are completely different.
No matter how you're feeling about your sexuality and/ or gender identity- there are people that you can talk to! Why not check out The Proud Trust- Home of LGBTQ+ Youth?
'Coming Out'
Coming out means telling someone about your sexuality/ sexual orientation or gender identity. This can be a really stressful time for some people. It is completely up to you if you choose to tell people, or not tell people and who and when you decide to do so.
Most of the time, people want to come out so that they can be honest to the people that love and support them.
There is no right or wrong way to come out; we are all different! It is important to find a way that feels right for you. But, Childline have some top tips for coming out.
It is important to remember that this process can be very different for everyone. Why not check out Stonewall's advice on coming out for LGBTQ+ young people?
Discrimination and bullying
Did you know? Being LGBTQIA+ is a protected characteristic, (click to find out more) and The Equality Act 2010 means the law protects people with protected characteristics from discrimination (being treated unfairly).
Remember, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. Go to this page if you want to know more about your rights and how you can challenge discrimination.
Worried about bullying? Get support here
Top tips to well-being *Well-being is generally feeling well, healthy and happy with life.
Staying Safe- The Proud Trust
Asking For Help
- You might not like asking but people who care about you will want to help
- Ask a trusted Friend, Parent/Carer, or Family member
- Professional - Youth Worker/Doctor/Social Worker
- Community Support Group
Believe in Yourself
- Focus on the Positive
- Understand and challenge negative/bad feelings
Take Time Out
Stress busting relaxation: Stop what you are doing, look out of the window, let your shoulders drop, stretch - allow your mind to calm down. Deep Breaths: think of a lovely place you have been to, keep taking deep breaths, take time to relax in this place.
Stresspot on MindMate is a fun way to look at stress.
Do Something You Enjoy
- Be active: still go for a walk everyday or run/cycle or do exercises at home
- Be creative: do drawing, painting, doodles, make masks, birthday cards, upcycle an old t-shirt/jacket,
- learn a new craft/activity
- Listen to music: something that is calming & makes you feel good
- Watch films, read a book or listen to audio books (App - Audible), magazine
- Take photos and make a collage out of the new and old ones
- Keep a journal/ diary/ blog
Look after Your Health
Eat well: do some cooking, try new healthy recipes
Sleep well: Turn off your phone, tablet, etc., run a relaxing bath, use bubbles or a candle
Stay Connected (and Safe)
- Stay in touch - Facetime/Google hangouts/Zoom
- Manage your time online - Facebook, Instagram, YouTube make it easy to track your time online whether your on iOS or Android
- Set a daily reminder to track your time online - set your ideal daily usage
- Speak to friends & family on the phone or text them
- Stay safe - Privacy is possible. Use 'social media site settings' to protect your info
- Block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable
Want to find out more?
The Proud Trust
For LGBT+ Young People. Web chat available 12pm – 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Stripes
Support Group for LGBTQ+ Young People age 13 to 19 years supported by workers from the WMDC Youth Work Team. Information, Advice and Guidance Tel: 01924 302665 and ask for a Stripes worker
BHA Wakefield
Health and social care charity delivering sexual health and HIV support and prevention services.
Spectrum
Provides information around sexual health and relationships, C card, STI testing and pregnancy.
Compass Wakefield
Helps children, young people and families facing low mood, friendship problems, bullying, online bullying or feeling angry, lonely or sad before things get worse. Text BUZZ to 85258 for text messaging support, call 01924 665 093 or send off a referral form
Turning Point - Talking Therapies
If you are 16 years or over and registered with a GP Surgery in Wakefield District you can access Turning Point Talking Therapies.
Tel: 01924 234860
Wakefield.talking@turning-point.co.uk
Childline
Free, confidential service where you can talk about anything online on the phone anytime. Tel: 0800 1111
No Panic
Panic attacks, OCD, phobias.
Helpline: 0844 967 4848 (10am - 10pm (charges apply)
Crisis No 01952 680835 (24 hour)
Young Minds
Young Minds Crisis Messenger for 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
Easting Disorder Charity: B-eat
For under 18 year olds
Email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk
Phone: 0345 634 7650
(4pm to 10pm - 365 days a year)