Are you clear on your gender and sexual identity, yet suffer from stress, anxiety or depression caused by the reactions of others? Or are you unclear about your gender or sexual identity and what this means for you?
While what’s troubling you might be labelled as anxiety, depression, addiction, self-confidence or other challenges that people face whatever their sexual identity, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer or questioning often face challenges unique to the LGBTQ community, with specific sets of circumstances or associated factors.
Although there is much wider cultural acceptance of LGBTQ people in the United Kingdom than there was just a couple of decades ago, discrimination still exists, and the incidence of mental health problems and addiction are on the rise in the LGBTQ community.
People coming out often face the very real fear of rejection by friends and family. Even once out and proud, sometimes LGBTQ people face violence, bullying and hate crimes. All of these factors can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, identity issues, and poor self-esteem.
Therapy for Sexual Identity and Gender & LGBTQ Issues
Therapy and counselling can be enormously beneficial if you’re facing emotional stress related to your gender or sexual identity. In a confidential, safe and non-judgmental setting, a therapist can offer strategies for managing your concerns over coming out, ways to deal with discrimination, and help to address other experiences faced by a member of the LGBTQ community, including relationships, marriage and parenting. You can also learn how to manage yourself, day-to-day, and your find new ways of relating to yourself and others.
If you are questioning your sexual or gender identity or you’re facing a gender- and sexuality- related issue, find a therapist who can support you and help. Therapists who work specifically with people around sexuality, gender identity, and LGBTQ issues are Amerjit Mann, Corinne Sweet, Helen Robertson, Neil Young, Rob Francis
Helpful information & help on mental health and LGBTQ issues
Stonewall
Stonewall: We’re here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone. Advice and support for everyone in or who cares for the LGBTQ community
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence (GI) is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, established in 2008.
Our mission is to increase understandings of gender diversity through creative ways.
BGIOK (being gay is OK)
This site is more for children and teens coming to terms with their gender or sexual identity but they also have a useful and helpful page for parents or friends of someone who has just come out. Advice to parents of friends
Family Lives
Another site for families of anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ cyberbullying: A guide for parents and educators
Advice to parents and educators to help LGBTQ youth to stay safe online. Although very much with an American slant it gives useful universal advice. This article may be useful in tandem with the next link.
Advice for parents & guardians of LGBTQ youth to stay safe online
VPN Mentor
This is an interesting and useful guide for anyone who wants to increase their security and prevent being a victim of Cyberbullying: Most LGBTQ are Cyberbullied. Here’s How to Stay Safe Online
