Campaign to empower LGBTQ+ community to share their stories
Leading Scots charity calls for Edinburgh to share what Pride means to them
A Scottish charity is calling on members of the LGBTQ+ community to come forward and have their voices heard on what makes them proud to be a part of Pride.
The new campaign, #ProudBecause, launched by LGBT Youth Scotland, aims to gather unique stories and perspectives of what makes people proud as part of Pride celebrations.
Set to run in conjunction with the historical (Un)seen (Un)heard campaign, launched last summer, workshops will be held at five Pride events across the country, including Edinburgh Pride Youth Space on 22nd June.
Mhairi Crawford, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “After the inspiring stories we heard last year through the (Un)seen (Un)heard project, we’re eager to see even more people get involved this year with #ProudBecause.
“It’s vital that we make sure that voices of young people are heard within the LGBTQ+ community as they after often greatly underrepresented.
“This project will aim to give members of the LGBTQ+ community the chance to come forward and share what Pride means to them, this is a brilliant chance for them to share their stories.
“We’ve got a full calendar of workshops we are due to run this Pride and I can’t wait to see everybody out in full force celebrating what it is that makes them unique, it’s always a fantastic experience speaking to young people at Pride, and it gives me real hope for the future.”
Beyond physical events, LGBT Youth Scotland champions digital participation, offering an online platform where young people can contribute to the evolving (Un)seen (Un)heard archive.
This digital space ensures accessibility and broadens the reach of the campaign, allowing for a diverse collection of experiences and stories to be shared and celebrated.
When asked what Pride means to them, one participant said: “It’s a combination of celebrating who we are, celebrating how far we’ve come and sending a message that we need to keep moving forward onwards and onwards as the years go by.”
Another added: “Pride events, do kind of connect me to the history of LGBTQ people as a community.
“I think pride is something that cements these very disparate groups of people who only really are connected by the fact that they’re discriminated against for various queering features of themselves, it’s kind of an event that brings people together as a unified whole that makes them go: “oh wow, we’re actually not just individual people. We are a group of people”.
“I think even if somebody is an objectively extremely weird person, pride is a way to say “Look, I’m here, and I’m a human being that is here, now, in front of you.”
Launched in 2023, the (Un)seen (Un)heard project held 43 workshops, gathering almost 200 submissions from over 340 participants.
By integrating the key messages of pride, participation, and visibility, the #ProudBecause campaign and (Un)seen (Un)heard workshops are set to leave a lasting impact on Scotland’s cultural and social landscape.
LGBT Youth Scotland continues to lead in promoting health, well-being, and equality, marking itself as a cornerstone of support for the nation’s youth.
MORE THAN six in 10 (61%) of rurally based LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland feel that their local area is not a welcoming place, according to a new report.
The damning figure has emerged as the largest ever piece of research involving LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland has found rural environments are the least supportive for community members.
A survey of nearly 1300 LGBTQ+ youth from local authorities nationwide, found that homophobia and transphobia was more prevalent in rural settings than urban.
The stark findings come as part of the latest instalment of the 15-year-long Life in Scotland study created by prominent charity LGBT Youth Scotland.
Dr Mhairi Crawford, LGBT Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “LGBTQ+ young people deserve to flourish and thrive no matter where they live, and this report highlights that there is more to be done across Scotland, especially in rural environments.
“The findings from this report underline the unique challenges isolation presents LGBTQ+ young people living in rural areas.
“This is further intensified by the absence of dedicated support services, which simply isn’t good enough.
“If we want to champion LGBTQ+ equality in every part of Scotland, we must amplify the voices of the young people in rural Scotland who know these communities best.
“Their lived experiences must shape every policy decision, steer each new initiative, and lead the charge for progress.”
The report has called on the Scottish Government as well as local authorities for greater investment in LGBTQ+ awareness and education programmes, as well as long term youth work to help improve inclusivity.
Minister for Equalities, Migration & Refugees, Emma Roddick said: “LGBT Youth Scotland’s Life in Scotland report is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people, understand the challenges that they face, and measure the impact of our work to build a fairer Scotland.
“It is clear that many LGBTQI+ young people in rural areas face unique challenges, simply because of where they live. This is unacceptable.
“The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders, including funding LGBT Youth Scotland to continue their research, to improve the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people no matter where they live.”
The study highlights a profound sense of isolation due to limited resources, sparse social support, and transportation difficulties.
Alarmingly, only 37 per cent of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas felt that there were safe spaces available for socialising and expressing their identities, in contrast to 48 per cent in non-rural regions.
Additionally, the report acknowledges that despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ education across Scotland, many young people in rural areas have yet to benefit from inclusive education initiatives.
Moreover, people experiencing LGBTQ+ hate crimes have expressed a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to handle such incidents, prompting calls for Police Scotland to enhance support for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and improve the reporting process for hate crimes.
Speaking on the actions required to provide greater support, Dr Crawford said: “It’s crucial for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and funders to invest sustainably in youth services for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas.
“While digital tools are vital, physical gatherings are needed to combat isolation and build community and improved wellbeing.
“Inclusive services, workplaces, and education, supported by programs like the LGBT Charter, are essential for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and welcomed in their communities.
“Every LGBTQ+ young person should have the chance to flourish, irrespective of their geographical location.
“If Scotland is to become a place where personal young people can thrive, it is imperative that decision-makers and service providers really listen to the insights of LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and engage in collaborative efforts with local communities to craft effective solutions.”
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25. LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential and LGBT Youth Scotland works alongside young people to remove those barriers; working with young people individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.
The charity was recently awarded the Participation and Youth Voice award at the National Youth Work Awards for its work with the Trans Rights Youth Commission, and a judge’s commendation at the Proud Scotland Awards for the Charity Initiative award.
A HISTORIC new project is calling on young people from the LGBTQ+ community to share their life experiences for a first of its kind project.
The campaign, (Un)Seen (Unheard), a pioneering social history project to capture young people’s lived experience and preserve it in the national archives, comes to Edinburgh Pride on 24th June and Porty Pride on 8th July.
LGBT Youth Scotland working in partnership with the National Library of Scotland, will be hosting Past, Present and Proud workshops across the country during pride which aims to encourage people from a range of different generations to share messages of hope to their younger or older selves.
“Writing a message to their past or future self will allow them. to communicate their lived experiences on a national level and feel like an equal part of Scotland’s heritage.
“Bridging the past and present through stories will not only place LGBTQ+ experiences at the heart of local communities, but it will also help us all make Scotland a place where all young people can flourish and thrive.
“Our hope is that this project will not only connect with a new audience but will also inspire not-so-young people to get involved and foster intergenerational relationships within Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community.”
This year marks LGBT Youth Scotland’s 20th anniversary as an independent charity, priding itself in playing a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTQ+ young people, promoting health and wellbeing.
The campaign will have presence at three other pride events in Scotland over the coming months: Mardi Gla (Glasgow), Highland Pride (Inverness) and Pride Outside (Glasgow). Each with stalls and opportunities to engage with the archive project.
Along with collating stories from these pride events, the charity launched a campaign video on 1st June that showcases conversations between young and older members of the community, reflecting on what has changed and what we could still do better.
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25. LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential and that is why LGBT Youth Scotland exists.
They believe Scotland can be a place where all young people can thrive and flourish, and they work alongside young people to remove those barriers; working with young people individually, and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.
If you are interested in submitting your story to the (Un)seen, (Un)heard archive or would like to know more about the project, email unseenunheard@lgbtyouth.org.uk.
LGBT+ people across Scotland are continuing to face health inequalities across every measure of wellbeing, according to a major new report by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and Public Health Scotland.
The findings of the Health Needs Assessment, commissioned by the Boards, found that the COVID pandemic has exacerbated issues, with significant numbers experiencing loneliness and isolation, while almost a half of LGBT+ people in the survey said they had experienced discrimination in the previous year – with trans and non-binary communities experiencing higher levels of abuse.
The assessment also revealed significantly high levels of mental ill-health, with more than half of all respondents reporting issues such as depression, anxiety and stress, with the highest rates experienced by trans and non-binary individuals.
The comprehensive assessment was undertaken to better address gaps in knowledge about the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ patient groups, to better inform approaches to public health for LGBT+ people, across seven groups: lesbian and gay women, gay men, bisexual women, bisexual men, trans women, trans men (trans masculine) and non-binary people across the Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Lothian areas.
Nicky Coia, Health Improvement Manager at NHSGGC said: “This report should serve as a wake-up call for everyone involved in the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ communities.
“Too many continue to suffer from discrimination and abuse, are experiencing social isolation and loneliness and suffering the impacts of poor mental health. This, combined with the poor socio-economic situations many find themselves in, contributes to a substantial health inequalities on every measure of wellbeing.
“While there are positives to be taken in terms of how LGBT+ experience healthcare, particularly from the GPs, there is still work to be done to improve access to, and experience of, person-centred healthcare, that treats the individual, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy at NHS Lothian, said: “We interviewed more than 200 people and over 2,500 people took part in the online survey as part of this research. Their experience is in stark contrast to the progress that many of us may feel has been made in achieving equality in Scotland.
“I want to thank everyone who took part and express our shared desire to highlight this as a key public health issue and deliver real improvements in health and wellbeing for LGBT+ communities.”
Some of the key findings include:
· Nearly three in four (73%) survey respondents said they ever felt isolated from family and friends and nearly two in five (38%) had felt lonely all of the time or often in the previous two weeks. Trans and non-binary people showed the highest levels of isolation and loneliness.
· The survey showed that overall more than half (54%) of respondents said they had mental health problems e.g. depression/anxiety/stress, but this was higher for trans masculine (75%), non-binary people (72%) and bisexual women (61%). Only one in four (25%) survey respondents rated their general mental and emotional wellbeing positively – but this was lowest for non-binary (9%) and trans masculine (12%).
· Of those who answered the question in the survey, nearly one in three (31%) said that they had ever made an attempt to end their life. Although the prevalence of suicide attempts was high across all LGBT+ groups, it was highest among trans masculine and non-binary people, with nearly half of respondents in these groups saying they had made a suicide attempt.
· Overall, nearly half (44%) of LGBT+ people in the survey said they had been discriminated against in the last year, but this was highest for non-binary (65%), trans masculine (62%) and trans women (55%).
· The survey findings show that 37% of LGBT+ respondents had ever experienced an abusive relationship; identity groups with the highest proportion reporting abusive relationships were trans masculine (48%), non-binary (45%), bisexual women (43%) and trans women (38%).
· only 59% overall rated their general health positively. Gay men and gay/lesbian women were the most likely to rate their health positively, while trans masculine and non-binary people were the least likely. A third (33%) of LGBT+ people had a long-term condition or illness that substantially interferes with their day to day activities.
· Most (88%) survey respondent had financial worries at least some of the time. One in six (18%) had experienced food insecurity in the previous 12 months. One in eight (13%) had ever been homeless.
The report’s authors have made 41 recommendations, including an immediate request that all Scottish local authorities should provide or fund at least some, community-led groups or activities for LGBT+ people, with provision for cultural, sport and physical activity and social interest groups, as well as targeting specific identity groups.
Other recommendations call for improvements in LGBT+ education in schools, improved LGBT+ training and awareness for health and other staff, improvements in mental health and gender identity clinics and more visibility of LGBT+ inclusive services.
Professor Nicola Steedman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Scottish Government, said: “The assessment lays bare the fact that too many LGBT+ people are subject to significant inequalities which impact every aspect of their lives. I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the research and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian for carrying out this important work.
“The Scottish Government is committed to reducing inequality – in all its forms – and we welcome the report. We will continue to work with, and across our partners, to improve the health and wellbeing of our LGBT+ communities.”
Mark Kelvin, Chief Executive of LGBT Health and Wellbeing, said: “This report highlights what many of our community members experience in their daily lives.
“Whilst many people believe that LGBTQ+ people have achieved equality, this report reminds us that there is still a lot of work to do. Scotland is celebrated as being a welcoming and inclusive country and whilst that is true, almost half of LGBTQ+ respondents experienced discrimination in the past year.
“The report also highlights the health inequalities that still exist for many of us and provides very useful and realistic recommendations that will help LGBTQ+ people to live well.
Speaking specifically on how COVID-19 has impacted the LGBTQ+ community, Mark pointed out the dependency on LGBT nightlife for socialisation. He added: “Whilst the closure of pubs and clubs can be seen by many as an inconvenience, for LGBTQ+ people queer-friendly spaces provide an important place of safety and belonging.
“This meant that during the months of closures, people were shut-off from contact with others like them. I’m hopeful that this report can restart conversations with local authorities and other interested parties to open LGBTQ+ Community Centres, where people of all ages can access a place of safety, information, support, and importantly connection.”
Mhairi Crawford, from LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “LGBT Youth Scotland notes the publication of the health needs assessment of LGBT research findings report. We know from our own recently published research that health care remains a significant issue for LGBTI young people in Scotland.
“In particular, we welcome the recommendations for healthcare providers and other public bodies to undergo training, which is a key part of our LGBT Charter, in which we also support organisations to undertake reviews of policies and practice to ensure that they are as welcoming as possible for the LGBTI community, whether they are staff, clients, pupils or wider stakeholders.
“We know that alcohol free spaces are highly valued by young people we work with in our youth spaces – so we welcome the recommendation for more LGBT spaces that don’t have alcohol.
“Finally, we also welcome the recommendation that schools should undertake the LGBT Charter as we know this can have a massive impact on daily lives of LGBTI young people.”
The Rural Youth Project, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and AgRespect, is hosting an event on Tuesday 13 July to focus on LGBT+ visibility and acceptance in rural communities with four inspirational speakers joining to share their experiences and advice.
Hosted via Zoom, Rebecca Dawes, Rural Youth Project Director, said that the event will be a safe and inclusive place for young people to come together.
“We spent Pride Month, which is celebrated each June, researching and understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in Scotland. We realised young people in rural areas, who already face greater social and digital isolation. In addition, rural young people may not have the same opportunities to hear and show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there is still work to be done.
“Whether it’s in-person or virtual, core to any Rural Youth Project event is that young people feel included, welcome and safe. We’re really excited to host this event and I would strongly encourage any young person who would like to attend to register as soon as possible.”
Speakers include Matthew Naylor, Founder of AgRespect; Paula Manners from LGBT Youth Scotland; and, Kieran Sinclair, a Rural Youth Project Digital Champion from Orkney, who recently authored the blog ‘Queering in Rural Scotland’ located on the recently launched Rural Youth Project Smart Village.
Kieran said: “Growing up on the Orkney Isles, I feel I have a hopeful story to tell. My home island has a community of about 350 folks. Everyone is a neighbour, friend, or relative of sorts. The island is small in population, but huge in community.
“My experience as a gay dude is really rather a happy one. From what I can remember, the island embraced that part of me. There were questions about sexuality, but those who were asking, did so from a point of curiosity to learn, I felt. Because I knew most islanders, there was an established relationship, from which promising conversation evolved.”
The Rural Youth Project is funded by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020: The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.
Through the project’s new Smart Village, leadership programmes and other online activities, it aims to reach out to all areas of Scotland and enable all young people to participate and become the next generation of rural leaders.
The event will be held on Tuesday 13 July from 6:00pm and people interested in attending can secure their spot via the Rural Youth Project’s website – www.ruralyouthproject.com.
LGBT Youth Scotland has presented the City of Edinburgh Council’s Community and Families Service with a Foundation LGBT Charter Award.Continue reading LGBT award for city council
Scotland’s party leaders wear purple ribbons in support of Purple Friday, the last Friday of LGBT History Month – showing their support for LGBT people and making a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.Continue reading Party leaders support Purple Friday
Dump your dreich and drookit doldrums and Laugh OUT LOUD with LGBT Youth Scotland tonight!
Support our Lothian LGBTYS team to work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people enabling them to be included and celebrated at home, at school and in their communities. Laugh OUT LOUD is the first LGBT comedians event at The Stand welcoming you to be entertained by our five fabulous comedy hosts.
Online link to buy tickets, which will be collected at the venue on the evening and checked against our registrations of sale:
