February 2021 Body, Mind, Spirit What are the aims of LGBT✛ History month? • To raise awareness and combat prejudice against the LGBT✚ community. • LGBT✚ people have always existed and will always exist. • LGBT✚ individuals have made significant contributions to society. • They were times when the LGBT✚ community were persecuted and discriminated against, rather than celebrated for their achievements. • Representation and visibility matters, and it is important for everyone to see others like themselves. • It is important to look at the journey of the LGBT✚ community and recognise that full equality has not yet been achieved. What does LGBT✚ stand for? • Two in five trans young people say they first thought they were trans aged 11 or under. • One in four LGB young people say they first thought they were LGB aged 11 or under. • 1% of the UK population 650,000 people identify as trans Stats and • 6% of the UK population 3.9 million identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual Facts • One in five LGBT people have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 month • Half of LGBT pupils hear homophobic slurs 'frequently' or 'often' at school. Some of the laws that protect LGBT✚ people • Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 allows same-sex couples in England and Wales to marry. • The Gender Recognition Act 2004- give trans people full legal recognition of their gender, allowing them to acquire a new birth certificate. • The Equality Act 2010- give LGBT employees protections from discrimination, harassment and victimisation at work. How can you be an ally? • Treat others as you would like to be treated — with dignity and respect. • Be open-minded. Being different doesn’t mean wrong. We all have our own unique ways, but it’s what makes us interesting! • Be a good listener. Try not to assume that your friends are straight. They may be struggling with their identity and just need a friend they can trust. • Stand up to those who make homophobic jokes. Homophobia means not liking someone just because they're gay. Let them know that it’s hurtful to others and that it’s not OK. • Defend your LGBTQ friends and family if people are being mean to How to Support a Friend or them. • Remember that love is love, and when two grown-ups love each Loved One other, it's never a bad thing. No Limits Breakout Youth • Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ or are unsure often feel isolated and alone with their sexuality or gender identity. • At Breakout Youth, you will find a group of likeminded young people that you can socialise with safely. You’ll also find help with those feelings of isolation or confusion. • They offer a confidential support service for young people aged 11 to 21, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity. • Breakout Youth groups are based in Southampton, Romsey, Basingstoke, Andover, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. • You can contact them on [email protected] Tel: 02380 224 224 • For further information please visit: https://www.breakoutyouth.org.uk Covid 19 Update • During the pandemic, the public are being encouraged to seek solidarity and support from our families and local communities. • For LGBTQ+ young people, however, this is not always straightforward. • Many LGBTQ+ people face homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia within the communities that they live in. • This can make these environments difficult or even unsafe for them, and during lockdown this is where they may be spending most of their time • Breakout youth are offering LGBTQ+ Zoom groups to young people who would like access to support. • To find out more about their sessions, get in touch with them. • We are here to listen and support. Getting Support • If you need help and advice on sexuality, gender or any other issues. The following organisations are experienced in dealing with your concerns. Some of these organisations also provide counselling and advice. • For Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies. Please contact Stonewall's Information Service on 0800 0502020 Lines are open 9:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday. • Childline provides free, confidential advice, support and counselling on any issue. • Mermaids – For trans or gender diverse young people www.mermaidsuk.org.uk • Young Minds – Young Peoples mental health www.youngminds.org.uk for crisis support text YM to 85258 • Samaritans – Free phone 116 123. Email [email protected] or visit their website • Speak to No Limits: 02380 224 224. If you feel like reaching out for help or further support including our Online Web Chat service where you can speak to a Youth Worker click here • ..