DID YOU KNOW?

Many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) young people are strong, comfortable and happy with themselves, but everyone finds it hard sometimes, and it's important to get the right kind of support when you need it. LGBT young people can be affected by all the same problems as other young people.

For this reason, we've put this page together with some brief advice that might help. If you need more advice or help feel free to contact us or pop into an Outburst session and we'll do our best to help.

Your rights

At school

As an LGBT young person you have the right to feel safe at school and to make the most of your education, your sexual orientation should not effect this.

Stonewall a charity that stands up for the rights of LGBT people says you have the right to:

• Not be treated differently to anyone else just because of who you are
• Be protected from bullying and harassment
• Enjoy and make as much as possible of your education
• Get support if you are having a hard time

If this is not happening or you are finding things difficult at school, speak to your teacher or head of year. Standing up for yourself by asking for help can take a lot of courage to do. If you are still not being listened to or supported then check out the Stonewall link for more advice or contact us at Outburst and we will do our best to help.

At work

All employees have the right to be treated fairly and equally in all aspects of work life. As an LGBT person you are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that you have the right to be treated the same as all other employees from the time you apply for a job right through until the stop working for that employer. You also have the right not to be harassed or bullied at work because of your sexual orientation or any other reason.

Out and About

As an LGBT young person you have the Legal right not to be discriminated against while out and about. This means you can expect to be treated equally and with with respect when you visit your GP or use any other service. It is also against the law for you to be refused entry to anywhere because you are with your same sex partner or asked to leave a cafe or restaurant because you are holding hands with your same sex partner. For more information on your rights check out Stonewall's website.

COMING OUT

What is 'Coming Out'

Coming out is the process of telling people that you are gay, lesbian or trans. Coming out is often referred to as 'coming out of the closet'. The closet represents the hiding of your sexuality. You will 'come out' as LBGT lot's of times during your life as you meet new people and tell them more about yourself. Here we're going to look at coming out for the first time.

How to come out

Come out to yourself first. there is no point pretending to yourself that you are not LGBT when you are. Denial will only make you unhappy in the long term. Once you've come out to yourself you only need to come out to other people when you feel ready. Never do it because someone else thinks you should. It’s a personal choice, so take all the time you need.

Think carefully about who you are going to tell, try to chose someone who you feel will be supportive, this could be a youth worker, a teacher, a parent/carer or a friend.
Anticipate questions you might be asked. You might be asked things that seem really daft to you, try to be ready to give calm and considered replies. Try not to be too touchy, even if some of the things said seem offensive. It’s often the result of a lack ofknowledge rather than a deliberate attempt to hurt your feelings.
Be patient, especially with parents. They may have all sorts of weird ideas about what being LGBT means. Try to rememder that it has taken you quite a while to come to terms with your sexuality, it may take your parents a little time too. You could consider coming out to a family member who you feel will take the news well first and then enlisting their help to tell others.
Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get cheers and congratulations. Often people just don’t know how to react to the news, but it doesn’t mean they have a problem with your sexuality. Again, be patient with people. It may be your first time coming out, but it may also be the first time they've been come out to.

The advantages of Coming Out

Coming out is a big step forward in terms of accepting yourself and saying to the world that you think it’s okay to be gay. There is no reason you should feel ashamed of being LGBT, it is a part of who you are and something you can feel positive about.

Coming out can help you to feel closer to family and freinds. You will be able to be honest about who you are and this can be good for relationships.
It's easier to meet other LGBT People when you are out. You might even be suprised at how many LGBT young people there are at your school or collage.
It's the first step on the road to feeling comfortable and happy with yourself. LGBT young people can go on to have amazing and fulfilling lives and relationships, being LGBT does not have to hold you back!

Coming Out is different for everyone. You can read about the experience of some of Outbursts young people on our blog page. Remember if you need advice or support before, during or after coming out you can contact Outburst via the website or come along on Monday night and speak to one of the Outburst staff.

Helpful Links

Base 51, based in Nottingham city centre, BASE 51 takes a wide view of the health needs of young people and addresses the many aspects of a young person's life, which can affect their health and well-being. These can range from homelessness, difficulties in relationships, loss of statutory health care and low self esteem, to mental health problems, drug abuse and suicide.

Nottingham Lesbian and Gay Switch board Provides information and support for LGBT in the Nottingham area.

Stonewall youth is a great site for you to find out about your rights, get advice and what's going on Nationally with LGBT young people.

More helpful links coming soon!

Outburst!

The staff at Outburst can offer you a wide range of support around LGBT issues. They are always happy to listen and can point you in the direction of lots of services that can help. You can contact us by email or pop in on a Monday night.