Let’s talk about Young People Gender and Sexuality

Becoming a teenager and going through puberty can be a difficult place to be for some young people added to this are the many multi layered complexities of gender and sexuality. Developing a sense of self in a society that is fixated on cisgender heteronormative notions of the roles of males and females can be really challenging.

Gender and sexuality are complex and there are many ways of being that doesn’t fit within the binary system. This might include trans and non-binary but also Agender, pansexual, A sexual, polyamorous, aromantic, bisexual, biromantic, demisexual amongst others. Whilst the language may sound unfamiliar and complex using the correct terminology and applying appropriate pronouns to a young person can really help to validate their sense of self and help them on the journey of self-exploration.

Many trans and non-binary young people face continued challenges such as bullying, harassment, family rejection, societal discrimination, stigma, internalised shame and stereotyping. It is easy to see why many young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing is negatively affected. Not by their sense of self but by the way in which there is a real lack of understanding amongst families, service providers and educators around queer identities.

It can be difficult to develop a sense of self if those around you are denying your right to be you. For many young people this has been compounded during the pandemic for young people who live in households where the family denies their right to express their sense of self and struggle to understand the young person opinions, lifestyle and needs or those who are not out to family. Although for others the pandemic has provided a real opportunity for them to really explore their sense of self and as the world has opened up many have felt a relief and being out to family, friends and in all other spaces in which they exist.

Being provided with these safer space can significantly support young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. We need to listen to trans/non-binary young people about what it is they want and need and stop imposing a binary value system on to them. Let’s listen to what our young people are telling us, we could all benefit from removing some of the many barriers imposed around gender within society.

Most young people seek out their own LGBTQ+ community to get the help and support they need from those who really understand the complexities and challenges of growing up queer. Let’s create safer spaces within our wider communities where queer young people feel seen and heard.

A great place to start is with our M4Y peer mentoring programme. Have a look here.

NSPCC – What is Gender Identity? - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/gender-identity/

The Mix – Bisexual Myths - https://www.themix.org.uk/

Bish – Teach Yourself Sex Ed- Gender, You and Culture - https://www.bishuk.com/