15 Aug Supporting young people to stand proud in their sexual and gender identity
Celebrating your uniqueness and individuality is something that you should do every day of the year by being true to yourself.
Yet for many young people finding their identity and understanding who they are can be confusing, isolating and daunting.
In a new sexual and gender identity mini-series, Back on Track Teens tackles this head-on by offering a comprehensive insight into the issues, thoughts and emotions linked with self-discovery and coming out.
Sharing a journey
Drawing on the case studies of a group of young people who share their sexual and gender identity journeys, the series will offer support to other young people questioning their own identity.
Designed as an educational resource, the mini-series will give guidance and insight to teachers and parents, as well as reaching out to young people discovering and understanding their sexuality or gender.
Featuring 11 blogs, 10 podcasts, an eBook and access to resources and activities, the series aims to empower young people and open up discussions around this important issue.
“Your greatest path of influence is love.” Mollie Marti
Open the conversation
As the country marks National Coming Out Day on October 11, it is a great time to reflect on the need for open conversations to support the LGBTQ+ community and to continue to chip away at prejudice and misunderstanding.
The day itself recognises that silence allows ignorance and homophobia to continue yet knowing someone who is LBGTQ+ is likely to reduce the chances of a person being homophobic. By encouraging people to come out, the day aims to tackle stigmas and encourage people to celebrate their sexuality and be open instead.
“Confidence is knowing who you are and not changing it a bit because of someone’s version of reality is not your reality.” Shannon L. Alder
Finding support
October also started with World Smile Day, encouraging people to carry out an act of kindness. So, why not wrap a supportive arm around someone who needs it and let them know you’ve got their back and that it’s ok to be yourself, whoever that may be.
The Back on Track Teens sexual and gender mini-series will launch on National Coming Out Day to support those standing proud in their identity – and those still on their voyage of discovery.
Find out more about the gender and sexual identity mini-series here.
“If you don’t know who you truly are, you’ll never know what you really want.” Roy T. Bennett
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY THIS OCTOBER
October 10, World Mental Health Day
Mental health has been severely overlooked and underfunded across the world for decades. Good mental health is absolutely vital to people’s wellbeing but access to support can still be difficult. This year’s World Mental Health Day shines a spotlight on the fact that access to mental health services remains unequal – especially in low income countries, but also falls short in high income nations. Take a stand for mental health and help people to feel confident to talk about their problems free of stigma.
Choose the life you want to lead
Living your life pretending to be someone you are not could seriously harm your mental health. Although it may feel difficult at times to open up and be honest about how you feel, and how you identify, there is a supportive community out there ready to offer the support and advice you need.
Life is made interesting through our differences so embrace these and don’t feel that you need to pretend to be anything other than yourself. You are enough! If you want to discuss any issues raised through the Back on Track Teens sexual and gender identity mini-series, share your own experiences, or find support, get in contact through our socials:
Feel free to be yourself and live a life that is authentically yours.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” Carl Gustav Jung
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