LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and more. These are terms that refer to sexual and gender identities.

Sexuality and gender are two different aspects of our identity. Sexuality is who you are attracted to physically and romantically. Gender identity is your internal sense of gender, whether that is a girl, a boy, neither or both.

There a lot of different words/labels that people use to describe their sexuality and gender identity. These different terms are represented by the plus sign in LGBTQ+. You might identify with more than one of the terms under the LBGTQ+ umbrella.

It is common to feel nervous about telling others about your sexuality and/or gender identity. You may be fearful that you won’t fit in or be accepted by your friends and family. You might feel overwhelmed by your worries, so seeking out support is very important and can really make a positive difference.

Gender and sexuality definitions

Find Norfolk LGBT Project resources & guides here

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Need More Help? Mental Health Advice & Support

Our Experiences

By young people, for young people

"One time in my school, I was walking in the hallway and people said homophobic comments to me. I felt uncomfortable and I didn’t want to tell anyone how I felt, but one day I told my friends what was going on because they knew I wasn’t feeling myself. Once I told them we reported it and then the bullying stopped.

"Most of my friends are part of the community so I was comfortable telling them about my sexuality."

Ezra, Age 13

(Some names changed to protect people's identities)

All You Need to Know

Coming out means to voluntarily share your sexuality and/or gender identity with others.

Coming out is a personal decision and one that you should never feel pressured into making. Even if you have not come out, your LGBTQ+ identity is real and valid.

Remember, that there is no one right way to come out, just what’s right for you. If you don’t feel ready, you can wait. There will be other opportunities. You are in charge of how you do it and when.

It is natural to feel worried before coming out and you may be concerned about how the other person will react and how you will be treated when people find out about your sexuality and/or gender identity.

However, letting other people know can be a huge weight off your shoulders.

It helps to plan who you will tell first. Choose someone you trust, or you could speak anonymously to a Childline counsellor or someone on a message board to see how it feels. Make it clear to the person you tell whether you are happy for them to tell anyone else.

Find 'Coming out - for LGBTQ+ Youth' booklet here
Coming out as LGBTQ+ can often be a positive experience, where you are met with acceptance and love. However, it’s possible that the person you come out to could react with fear or confusion.

If you are met with a bad reaction, there are a couple of important things to remember. First, someone’s bad reaction is not your fault and you should not blame yourself. You deserve kindness and respect. Second, the first reaction that someone has to your identity, does not mean they will feel like that forever. It can take time for them to work through the feelings that they may have, especially if they have had very little experience supporting LGBTQ+ in the past.
Gender identity is different to sexuality - it is how you feel about your gender. It does not have to be the sex you were registered at birth, which is usually based on your sexual organs.

It isn't just male or female - other terms used to describe gender identity include:
- Trans or transgender - when you feel your gender is different from the sex you were registered at birth.
- Non-binary, gender diverse or gender queer - when you feel your gender identity does not sit comfortably as a man or a woman. You could also identify as genderfluid and see your gender as flexible, rather than fixed.
- Cisgender - when your gender identity is the same as the sex you were registered at birth.
There's a wealth of information to help young people on their journey of discovering their sexuality and gender identity. Find information about how to support your mental health as a member of the LGBTQ+ community over at Norfolk & Waveney Mind.

Find LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources

NIDAS (Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service) is a local service providing specialist support for LGBTQ+ people who experience domestic abuse.

Find out more about NIDAS

Stonewall offer information and advice about LGBTQ+ issues including inclusivity and diversity in workplaces and schools and colleges. Their public campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights have affected changes in government policy and have helped to improve the lives of all LGBTQ+ people.

Find out more about Stonewall

Gendered Intelligence is a national charity supporting young trans people aged under 25. The trans-led and trans-involving charity works to increase understanding of gender diversity and help improve the lives of trans people.

Find out more about Gendered Intelligence
There are lots of events and groups that represent the LGBTQ+ community in Norfolk & Waveney. If you want to get involved in the arts, sports or other interests, or find out about upcoming events, these groups offer inclusive and friendly spaces to meet new people.

Norwich Pride represents the LGBTQ+ community in Norwich through community events, support resources, and community groups. It promotes equality and celebrates diversity and the yearly Pride March is a great opportunity to get involved with the celebration.

Find out about Norwich Pride

Suffolk Pride is an LGBTQ+ organisation that puts on annual Pride celebrations in Suffolk along with year-round community events and resources.

Find out about Suffolk Pride

The University of East Anglia (UEA) Pride Society represents the LGBTQ+ community and their events in and around the university.

Find out more about UEA Pride Society

Proud Canaries are the official Norwich City Football Club fans and friends group who challenge homophobia and transphobia while enjoying the game.

Find out more about Proud Canaries

Ipswich Town holds LGBTQ+ football sessions weekly with inclusive and friendly activities for the community and allies.

Find out more about LGBTQ+ Football Sessions

Who Can Help?

If there's an adult or friend you can trust, have a chat with them about your questions or worries. They might be able to put your mind at rest or give you some useful advice.

If you live in Norfolk:

If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you live in Waveney:

You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.

LGBTQ+ Project provides support, information and advice to all age groups that is relevant to the health and wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Norfolk and Waveney.

Norfolk & Waveney Mind - LGBTQ+ & Mental Health provide mental health support resources for people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Akt.Org is a national charity specialising in LGBTQ+ youth homelessness with advice and support on housing, finance and health.

Mermaids supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, and their families and carers. Call their helpline on 0808 801 0400 or get in touch via their webchat.