• The Department of Education commissioned this research as part of their statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity under Section 75 of the NI Act (1998). Based on the 2001 Census, it is estimated that there may be between 12,190 and 60,953 LGBT people under 25 years of age in NI.
• This research aims to identify the needs of young LGBT people in NI, focusing particularly on youth provision and education. It also aims to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society irrespective of sexual orientation.
  

Research Approach

• A research steering group developed three questionnaires: one for young people who identified as LGBT; one for organisations working with young people; and one for public sector organisations.
• Focus groups were conducted with young people to further explore the issues raised.
• Case studies of three LGBT organisations in NI and ten in London/Brighton were conducted to identify models of best practice.
  

Main Findings

Questionnaire for young people

• Completed by 362 young people: 9% 16 years or under, 44% 17-20 years and 48% 21-25 years; 36% female and 64% male.
• The sexual orientation of respondents was: 24% lesbian, 54% gay, 14% bisexual, 6% unsure, 2% other. 4% identified as transsexual/transgender.
• 16% were still at school, 20% were in further education, 13% were in university, 37% worked full-time, 4% worked part time and 10% were not working.
• 40% were out to all of their friends, 10% were not out to any. 26% were out to all their family, 36% were not out to any. 42% of employed young people were not out to any colleagues, and 38% of school/college students were not out in school/college.
• The questionnaire addressed the issues of age of coming out, sources of support and information, negative life experiences, and social activities.
• 35% had experienced physical abuse, 64% verbal abuse, and 17% sexual abuse. 29% had attempted suicide, 7% had been in care, 26% had self harmed, 24% had been medicated for depression, 21% had experienced an eating disorder, 34% alcohol misuse, 23% drug misuse, 27% had practiced unsafe sex, 7% had been paid for sex, and 31% had experienced sex in public places. 44% had been bullied at school because of their sexual orientation.
• 69% are/were members of youth organisations, while 91% of the sample believed that such groups should deal with the needs of young LGBT.

Questionnaire for youth organisations

• 343 questionnaires were distributed to a diverse range of groups - 76 were returned.
• The majority of groups had various policies, and the inclusion of sexual orientation in such policies was noted: Equal opportunities (86%), Anti-bullying (73%), Volunteers (68%), Grievance/complaints (38%).
• Only 14% of the 76 have publicity aimed at encouraging participation of young LGBT people. Less than one quarter have formal links with LGBT organisations.
• Only 11% of the 76 make provision specifically for young LGBT people, although 58% would like to do so.

Questionnaire for public sector organisations

• 138 questionnaires were posted. 48 organisations, all of which had produced an equality scheme in accordance with Section 75 of the NI Act 1998, returned a questionnaire.
• 45 of the 48 organisations provide training opportunities for staff to look at issues concerning sexual orientation, 36% intend to do so. 13% provide/ support programmes that target young LGBT people.

Conclusions

• This research highlighted a range of experiences for young LGBT people, which, were they heterosexual, they would not have to face.
• The majority of young people were aware of their sexuality while going through the education system and involved in youth activities. However, the school environment tends not to be conducive to 'coming out'.
• NI schools and youth organisations are shown to be failing to protect many young LGBT people from bullying and discrimination.
• The results strongly indicate that young LGBT people may be more likely to engage in high risk behaviour.
• Schools are shown as not addressing the sex education needs of LGBT. Teachers are unable/unwilling to address these needs, and LGBT pupils are often emotionally/physically victimised.
• There is a need to identify/remove barriers in youth organisations, which prevent young LGBT people from accessing services. The vast majority of organisations indicated they are willing to support/address the needs of these young people.
• The research concludes with recommendations for action, including the development of support services, training, information materials, curriculum and programme development, changes to policies, procedures and guidelines, and further research.
• A number of organisations, including the Department of Education and The Youth Council for NI, are identified as having roles to play in achieving the recommendations.