Almost half of LGBT+ young adults in the UK are estranged from at least one family member due to their sexuality or gender identity, according to a survey by market researchers Cibyl for the charity Just Like Us. The poll of 3,695 people aged 18 to 25 in January 2023 also found that 31% of respondents were not confident of a positive response from their parents or carers when they came out.
The study revealed that LGBT+ young adults were more than twice as likely as their straight, cisgender peers to say they were not close to immediate family members. Moreover, 46% of LGBT+ people surveyed were no longer in contact with one or more family members, while 19% of transgender people and 23% of non-binary people were not close to their immediate family members.
Just Like Us Interim CEO Amy Ashenden noted that the breakdown of family relationships among LGBT+ young adults was a source of anguish for many. While many people believe that it is easier to be LGBT+ now, this survey shows that many young adults still fear not being accepted by their parents. Ashenden added that LGBT+ young people should be reassured that their identities are valid and deserve to be celebrated.
Lesbians and gay men were the most confident that their parents or carers would accept them, at 72% and 68% respectively. Meanwhile, more than a third of non-binary and transgender young adults said they were not confident that their families would accept them.
The survey’s findings are part of a report by Just Like Us titled Positive Futures, which looks at the experiences of LGBT+ young adults in the UK, from their home and school lives to work and intersections such as faith, race, and disability. Ashenden said that “when there is silence, there is shame,” and emphasized the need to talk about these issues in schools and at home.
Sasha Misra, an associate director of communications and campaigns at Stonewall, emphasized the importance of building strong ties with LGBT+ people to promote wider social acceptance. She added that everyone, not just parents, guardians, and teachers, should commit to creating safe and inclusive environments that support and validate young people.