If you, or someone you know, thinks they might be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender do not worry, you are not alone. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the population is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
If it would help to talk to someone, use the links at the bottom of the page to find advice and support.
Definitions and commonly used words
Your sexual orientation is a way to describe the feelings you have. There are lots of words or labels used to describe these but, because these feelings are personal, you may find the words do not describe your feelings exactly.
Safe sex
The age of consent for a gay man is 16, the same as it is for heterosexual couples.
If you are sexually active, you need to practice safe sex. Find out more about sexual health or visit a sexual health clinic.
Specific support
- Worried about your gender identity? Advice for teenagers - NHS
- Allsorts Youth Project listens to, connects and supports children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+) and their families. Allsorts Youth Project provides support for young people aged 11 to 17 who are accessing Gender Incongruence Service for children and young people or on the waiting list.
- Gendered Intelligence 1-2-1 and group support for trans CYP aged 8 to 25 and phoneline for parents and carers.
- Galop helpline for LGBT+ people aged 13+ experiencing violence/abuse/conversion therapy, as well as friends, family or professionals.
- Switchboard is a charity that supports and connects lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities.
- Rainbow Mind - LGBTQ+ specific support offered by Mind mental health charity offering online support for 18 to 25 year olds.
- Stonewall Young Futures - Information, advice and support for young people.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Advice on sexual health.
For over 18 years
A Transgender Non-Binary and Intersex (TNBI) Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) is in place for people aged 17 and over. The LCS aims to improve the experience of TNBI patients in:
- accessing utilising health services
- reduce health inequalities through the delivery of structured, supportive and integrated
- physical and mental health care
- improve access to hormonal therapy where appropriate
- offer annual reviews of physical, mental and sexual health
- improve access to appropriate national cancer screening programmes
- improve awareness and training of general practice staff
For more information on this, speak to your GP Practice.
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people.
The Clare Project is run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people in Sussex. It runs psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions, as well as providing information and training for individuals and organisations on community needs and connecting people to affirmative peer support, psychotherapy and healthcare.
If you need help and support, there are organisations and information that you can access. The content below provides details on the NHS and other services which could help you.
If you're seeing a significant change in your behaviour, such as regularly reduced sleeping, eating or socialising, difficulty with attention and concentration, contact the Sussex Mental Healthline via NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to someone now.
Feeling low, down or depressed?
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free to call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- e-wellbeing: A digital service for young people in Sussex
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Mental health and emotional wellbeing information
- NHS every mind matters: Tools to manage and improve mental health
- Young Minds: UK's mental health charity for children and young people
- MindEd for Families: A free mental health learning resource
- YoungMinds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (free to call, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.00pm)
Feeling unable to cope, or in a crisis
If you need immediate support for your mental health and/or are concerned about your safety, phone 999 and ask the operator for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department.