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Trans young people are least optimistic about the future, research finds

by Just Like Us
November 2021

A young Black man wearing a rainbow ribbon

Transgender young people are the least likely to feel optimistic about the future, according to new independent research by Just Like Us, the LGBT + young people’s charity.

Only 35% of transgender young people report feeling optimistic about the future on a weekly basis in the past year. Over half (54%) of young gay boys, half (48%) of young lesbians and 43% of young bisexual people report feeling optimistic on a weekly basis in the past year.

14% of transgender young people have “never” felt optimistic about the future in the past 12 months, compared to 10% of gay boys, 10% of bisexual young people and 6% of young lesbians.

LGBT+ young people are generally much less likely to feel optimistic about the future than non-LGBT+ young people. 45% of LGBT+ young people have felt optimistic about the future on a weekly basis in the past 12 months, compared to 64% of non-LGBT+ young people.

The independent research commissioned by Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, surveyed 2,934 secondary school pupils (including 1,140 LGBT+ young people) in Years 7-13 (ages 11 to 18) across 375 schools and colleges in December 2020 and January 2021.

The data forms part of a larger report, Growing Up LGBT+, into inclusive education and the experiences of LGBT+ young people published by Just Like Us.

Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, has called for schools to show their support for LGBT+ young people.

“Our independent research has found that trans young people need to know that they have a positive future ahead of them,” he said.

“All young people should be able to see themselves as belonging and that there is a positive future ahead for them – schools can play a fantastic role in this.

“We know that schools are under immense pressure currently, and that’s why at Just Like Us we will do everything we can to help teachers to empower and support their LGBT+ pupils who are struggling right now.

“We really encourage primary schools, secondary schools and colleges across the UK to sign up and take part in School Diversity Week. It’s free, you’ll receive an online toolkit of resources for all key stages across the curriculum, and it’s a wonderful way to send a positive message to your pupils who are struggling to see themselves in the world right now.”

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