Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals

There are lots of resources online that can help you understand what you’re feeling – and which offer advice for you and the important people in your life.

Here are some general sites for all young people who think they might be lesbian, gay, bisexual or are questioning their sexual orientation, and/or who think they might be trans, non-binary or are questioning their gender identity:

  • Stonewall Youth website, with helpful advice and information. If you need to talk to someone, you can also call the Stonewall information service on 08000 50 20 20
  • The Proud Trust are a charity who support LGBT+ youth. They have lots of help and advice for young people on their website
  • Under The Umbrella (UTu) is a local community organisation supporting LGBTQ+ young people in and around Milton Keynes. They offer information, signposting and peer support groups for young people age 13-25 and their parents or carers. If you’d like to get in contact please email them at [email protected]

Advice for trans and gender-diverse people

If you are questioning your gender identity, you might also want to take a look at these sites:

  • Mermaids works with young people who feel at odds with the gender they have been assigned. They also work with parents and carers of young people going through these feelings. As well as reading information on their website, you can also call the Mermaids helpline on 0344 334 0550 (Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm) if you’d prefer to talk to someone. Mermaids also operates an emergency text service – if you need help now, text ‘Mermaids’ to 85258.
  • Mindline Trans+ is a UK-wide helpline run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-fluid people. They offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening service – just call 0300 330 5468 (Monday & Friday, 8pm-midnight). The service is also available for friends and families of trans+ people in need of support and advice. Calls are occasionally answered by cisgender allies.
  • Gendered Intelligence run projects for young people who identify as trans. Their Knowledge is Power resource is a great place to start educating yourself about trans people and trans issues. They also have information for parents and families, as well as for adults who work with young people (such as teachers and youth workers).

Sexual health

If you feel you are ready to be sexually active, sex education at school might not have provided you with much information about LGBT+ sex. Here are some good places to find information so you can stay safe:

  • The LGBT Foundation have lots of advice on lots of different topics. This is the main section of their website dedicated to sexual health, but further info is available throughout the site.
  • The Terrence Higgins Trust have a section of their website dedicated to advising LGBT+ people about sex and sexual health.
  • If you’re over 16, you can visit this site to get free home testing kits for various sexually transmitted infections.

Language

There’s a lot of new and sometimes confusing language used by people talking about being LGBT+. It can be difficult to understand what people mean – which can also make it difficult to explain what you’re feeling inside.

Stonewall Youth have two very handy explainers of what we mean by sexual orientation and gender identity:

Health and wellbeing

Q:Alliance

  • Q:alliance is a registered charity that provides support, information and representation for the LGBTQ+ people who live, work and play in Milton Keynes and Bedford.
  • It was established by a merger of several projects, Lesbian and Gay Link, established first as the lesbian and gay helpline in 1975 and the award winning charity, Youthline, established in 1985.
  • We are a professional organisation with high standards that manage a number of support, advocacy and advice services to communities in Milton Keynes and Bedford.
  • It’s our goal to create more and more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is well represented and supported.

For more information please visit our website: https://qalliance.org.uk/

Advice for parents, carers and friends

Your parents or other family members might need some help and advice as well. They can find lots of helpful information here:

  • Coming out advice and guidance for parents
  • FFLAG are a national charity who are dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans children. As well as providing resources and information on their website, they also run a helpline (call 0845 652 0311 to speak to someone) and recommend books that can help parents and carers understand and properly support their LGBT+ child.

Q:Alliance

  • Q:alliance is a registered charity that provides support, information and representation for the LGBTQ+ people who live, work and play in Milton Keynes and Bedford.
  • It was established by a merger of several projects, Lesbian and Gay Link, established first as the lesbian and gay helpline in 1975 and the award winning charity, Youthline, established in 1985.
  • We are a professional organisation with high standards that manage a number of support, advocacy and advice services to communities in Milton Keynes and Bedford.
  • It’s our goal to create more and more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is well represented and supported.

For more information please visit our website: https://qalliance.org.uk/

Last Modified: 10:33am 11/10/2023

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