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Youth workers

Homophobic bullying and other issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people can arise in any setting. If you are a youth worker you have an important role to play in tackling homophobia and promoting positive attitudes towards the lesbian, gay and bisexual young people community.

Generic youth provisions

All youth workers, whether they are working on projects specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people or not, can have a key role to play in promoting positive attitudes towards LGBT people. Homophobic bullying can occur in any setting - including youth groups and centres. If you hear the young people you work with using phrases like ‘That’s so gay’ and ‘You’re so gay’ or engaging in other forms of homophobia or transphobia then you have a role to play in challenging this. Stonewall has produced many different resources and guides which you will find useful. Read more

LGBT youth groups

Local youth groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people are often an early point of contact for young people who are coming to terms with their sexual orientation. Almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people have experienced homophobic bullying and seven in ten of these pupils have never been taught about gay issues in class. Youth groups can fill this gap by providing essential information, resources and opportunities to meet other LGB and T young people not available at school. Stonewall has produced awareness raising resources as well as guidance to support you in your work. Read more

Good practice

Many youth workers are already very successful in preventing and tackling homophobic and transphobic bullying and in supporting all the young people they work with. Read more