A survey of young LGBT Scots reveals worryingly high levels of concern about homophobia
More than eight in ten gay young people believe homophobia is a problem in Scotland.
A survey of 13 to 25-year-old lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people found concern about homophobia in our communities is high despite around 70% believing Scotland is a good place for LGBT people to life.
Less than 60% of gay young people said they felt accepted in the wider community and just 40% of transgender young people feel accepted.
The report was released to coincide withInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May.
Fergus McMillan, chief executive for LGBT Youth Scotland, which carried out the research, said: “Despite positive legislative changes over the past several years, more remains to be done to improve social inclusion. Our research shows that many LGBT young people still face high levels of discrimination and experience barriers to feeling included and accepted in their communities.
Our research shows that many LGBT young people still face high levels of discrimination and experience barriers to feeling included and accepted in their communities
“To help improve community life, we ask that community-based services are more explicit about being LGBT-inclusive and individuals challenge homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia whenever it is expressed’
The report also revealed that 67% of young people believe that biphobia is a problem in Scotland and 84% that transphobia is an issue.
One transgender young person said: “I do feel that a lot more could be done in Scotland to raise awareness of trans issues. I also believe that there isn’t enough services, or visibility of services for trans or gender variant people.
“But I also think that Scotland is a good place to be as a part of the LGBTQ community as there is an acceptance here that is not found in other countries.’
A report based on the survey also examines LGBT young people’s experiences of coming out, attendance at youth groups, information on where they feel comfortable socialising, and recommendations for voluntary and statutory community, youth, and children’s services.
