What is it like to be a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) young person in England today? Answering that question is the focus for Youth Chances – a groundbreaking new study led by London-based organisation METRO. Those behind the study are hoping to survey 15,000 16-25 year old LGBTQ young people across England. “METRO set up Youth Chances because: there is little reliable data currently available about LGBT people generally and young LGBTQ people specifically; young LGBTQ people still face discrimination and challenges because of their sexuality and identity; it is clear that they could be much better supported and that things needs to change.”The study has been informed by young people themselves and covers all aspects of their lives including education, health, relationship, employment and housing. The results will be used to make recommendations for change and influence how services are designed, commissioned and delivered to young people.
Youth Chances is a social research project led by METRO in partnership with the University of Greenwich and Ergo Consulting and funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
The launch of the survey coincides with the release of a new opinion poll suggesting that 65% of British people have witnessed or are aware of discrimination and abuse of LGBT people and that seven out of ten believe that young LGBT people cannot be open about their identity without fear of negative reactions or consequences.
Patricia Durr of METRO said, “These findings really demonstrate the importance of Youth Chances and the need to understand directly from young people themselves about the challenges they face… We are committed to ensuring that Youth Chances results in recommendations for change and a real difference to young people’s lives.”
