There is evidence of bullying of heterosexual YP with a transgender parent, sibling or family member– this can occur on and offline. This can be emotional or physical. It can come from older or younger siblings, parents, grandparents, close family members or extended family living in the UK or abroad. LGBTQ+ YP may encounter homophobic, biphobic or transphobic (HBT) language online, including abusive language directed at them personally: 40% of LGB YP and 58% of trans YP have experienced HBT abuse online ( Stonewall School Report (2017). Hearing this language, even when it isn’t directed at them personally, can make LGBTQ+ YP feel there is something ‘wrong’ with who they are, negatively impacting their self-esteem and increasing feelings of anxiety. It is important that staff at all levels are trained in the different types of gender identity and sexual orientation and how to support LGBTQ+ YP’s mental health. Staff should have access to training and resources appropriate to the age phase they teach in or work in, so that they can learn more about the needs of the children and YP they support.

Online conversations, gaming and social media can lead to danger. One such danger is a ‘honey trap’ (or ‘Catfishing’). This is where YP are tempted to meet someone, often whom they find attractive, but then the ‘host’ turns out to be someone different, or someone who is aggressive. The motivation is often to find someone of their own age and with whom they can potentially start a relationship. In some situations, LGBTQ+ YP could become vulnerable by opting to meet up with strangers. This is particularly the case in rural, small towns, and particular communities and it comes with potential risk. The 36-year-old found most straight men in gay porn describe a similar progression, from solo scenes, to blow jobs and hand jobs with another man, to sex as a “top” and then all types of sex scenes. With each level, actors are rewarded with a major bump in their pay. There are some very effective teaching and learning materials for relationships and sex education and for online safety. There are many resources now that can be used to help YP to recognise, appreciate and value difference.

AdultFriendFinder

Many LGBTQ+ YP use the internet to help them to understand themselves, find positive role models and find information and support. Almost all say the internet has helped them understand more about their sexual orientation and has helped them find advice and support.

General admission is general admission. Anyone could sit wherever they want, aside from a small VIP section." He continued: "We're the first and the only [LGBT+ café] in Sunderland. I think it's a safe space - it doesn't matter who or what you are. That was certainly true for Curtis. Once he “got used to the feeling” he began liking it, and that made him question his sexuality. Underreporting of hate crime is a particular issue but also of domestic abuse by siblings, parents, family members and from partners. Some YP with different gender identities can be unwilling to use relevant services for fear of discriminatory and uninformed responses from staff and service users or because they do not think the response will meet their needs. This fear of being badly treated regarding sexual orientation or gender identity can cause harm because they do not continue with the service that they need. The Office for National Statistics records that 28 per cent of transgender people have reported crime more than twice the proportion of cis people.

OutPersonals

Meanwhile, the words “blowjob,”“cosplay” and “trans” also saw considerable search growth in 2022, while “transgender” exploded in popularity to become America’s fourth-most-viewed category overall. All YP need to be aware of the age restrictions placed on different online services, and the significant risks involved with signing up to something when they are underage. Most importantly, primary-aged and teenage users need to be taught how not to divulge information about themselves and taught not to assume the identity of those they are speaking with is correct.