In a shocking revelation, a new report by the leading LGBTQ+ charity, Just Like Us, has unveiled distressing figures indicating the prevalence of verbal abuse faced by transgender individuals in the UK. The report, titled “Positive Futures,” set to be published on June 1st, delves into the experiences of LGBTQ+ young adults across the country. It encompasses various aspects such as wellbeing, home life, school, work, and considers intersectional identities like faith, race, and disability.
The study, conducted by market researcher Cibyl on behalf of Just Like Us, surveyed 3,695 adults aged 18 to 25. Astonishingly, the research found that within the past year, 61% of LGBTQ+ young adults had experienced verbal abuse. Even more concerning was the revelation that a staggering 72% of trans young adults had faced verbal abuse during that time frame. Following trans individuals, non-binary (70%) and asexual (68%) young adults were the most likely to report verbal abuse in the last 12 months.
The study also shed light on the fact that nearly half (47%) of non-LGBTQ+ young adults had experienced anti-LGBT+ verbal abuse in the previous year, despite not identifying as queer. Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us, expressed devastation over the findings, labeling them a sign of the “often terrifyingly transphobic times” in the UK. She emphasized that the levels of abuse faced by LGBTQ+ young adults are completely unacceptable and called for taking LGBTQ+ inclusion seriously.
The report also delved into physical abuse experienced by both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ young people. It revealed comparable levels of physical abuse (25% and 24%, respectively) but indicated significant differences when examined through the lens of identity. Lesbian individuals faced a higher rate of physical abuse (30%), while asexual (32%) and gay men (31%) also experienced elevated levels. Moreover, LGBTQ+ young adults were more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts to report that the physical abuse they endured was sexual abuse (50% versus 30%).
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ashenden stressed the importance of taking LGBTQ+ inclusion seriously and called for schools across the UK to embrace positive messages about LGBT+ identities. She pointed out that signing up for School Diversity Week could be an excellent starting point for schools to access free and user-friendly resources, thereby spreading the message that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated and proud of.
This report serves as a wake-up call for society, urging us to address the pervasive verbal and physical abuse faced by LGBTQ+ young adults and to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.