This is a quick-read version of the updated Supporting young people who identify as LGBTQ+: Frontline Briefing (2025), and highlights its key messages.

Supporting health and wellbeing in relation to emerging sexual orientation and gender identity is a core aspect of working with adolescents. For many young people this journey includes the exploration of lesbian, gay or bisexual sexual identities, social worlds and intimate relationships.

Some young people may be confident, articulate and excited about taking on one or more of these identities. Others may be uncertain, confused or conflicted about feelings they have and may lack balanced, practical information to help them make sense of things.

Many aspects of a practitioner’s role in supporting child and adolescent development will be consistent whoever they are working with – educating and raising awareness about sexual health, rights over our own bodies and online safety, for instance.

With young people who are exploring LGBTQ+ identities, we also need to consider the social and cultural contexts they are navigating, reflect on our own identity and personal perspectives about LGBTQ+ rights and identity, and find the best way to stand beside them as an advocate and an ally.

Language

The acronym LGBTQ+ is largely accepted as an inclusive way to refer to a wide range of people grouped together by the common theme of gender-diversity and / or sexual orientation. However, people use a variety of terms, reflecting the diversity of experiences. It is important to ask young people which words they prefer, for example, which pronouns they use. The glossary in the briefing summarises key terms you practitioners may encounter.

The importance of an intersectional lens

Founded in Black feminism, the term ‘intersectionality’ refers to the insight that we all experience a kaleidoscope of identities - race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, ability, age and faith, to name a few – that intersect in changing formations throughout our lives.

Grounding our understanding about gender identity and sexuality in intersectional thinking enables us to appreciate the diversity. It help sus to appreciate that LGBTQ+ young people are not a homogenous group and individual experiences and needs will be unique. All aspects of a young person’s intersecting identities are important and it is vital not to assume a young person’s sexual orientation and/or gender is the single most important aspect of their identity.

Care experienced young people and intersectionality

An intersectional lens should be applied when considering placement options with a child or young person who is in care. The need to provide a home where they feel safe and accepted will be the overriding priority.

The perceptions, experiences, beliefs and expectations of any potential carers are crucial here. Preparatory conversations between the social worker and carer need to be upfront and honest if appropriate support is to be identified and provided

Supporting children and young people who identify as trans, gender non-conforming and gender questioning

Young people who identify as trans, non-binary or are gender non-conforming can be called by their chosen pronouns. They do not need permissions or documentation to enable this.

Exploring identity, reflecting on how we fit into society and how we relate to others is part of growing up. If a young person is identifying is appearing to be experiencing significant distress in relation to their gender identity, or you are worried about them, you should speak to the young person with sensitivity and care to explore what advice and support options are open to them.

The age and understanding of the young person will determine how to approach such conversations and support. Acknowledge the young person’s feelings and wishes, and keep conversations open, caring and free from judgement – even, or especially if, the professional advice received is contrary to what the young person wants.

Some research has indicated an increased prevalence of gender diversity amongst neurodivergent young people (Warrier, Greenberg & Weir, 2020), though currently little is known about the link between the two. This reminds us to get to know the whole person, understand their intersectional experiences, offer holistic support and, where appropriate, support their access to specialist services.

Connectivity online

Online platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram and Omegle can provide spaces for LGBTQ+ young people to connect with others socially and romantically, particularly for those from other marginalised communities or who live in locations with small or invisible LGBTQ+ populations. At the same time, online interaction comes with well reported risks for all users.

All children and young people are potentially at risk of online grooming and exploitation, and all need support with digital literacy and safer use of social media. There may be additional risks for young people who are exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Practitioners can and should talk to young people about how to appraise information online and help them to think about why some sources might have perspectives, and how these could influence the information being provided

Coming out

Coming out is not a one-off event. LGBTQ+ people make decisions about coming out multiple times every day and throughout their life. It is always important for professionals to bear in mind that, even if a young person is openly sharing personal information about their sexuality and/or gender identity with you, this does not automatically mean this information is for sharing.

Unless there is a specific reason (for example an immediate threat to safety that requires other protective adults to understand a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity), professionals should always ask the young person for their explicit permission each time before sharing their information.

Conclusion

The work you do alongside LGBTQ+ young people should be agreed with them on an individual basis, on their terms and using their terminology. The messages from research are clear: LGBTQ+ young people do not want special treatment. They want what all young people want and deserve - to be listened to, to be valued and to be protected and cared for.