As a young person you might already identify within the LGBTQIA community, or you might be questioning your sexuality.

Sometimes how you feel about your sexuality can be affected by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Or maybe your cancer experience has been more challenging due to body image concerns

Being LGBTQIA+ isn’t a mental health issue, and it doesn’t cause mental health problems. But dealing with uncertainty, pressure, or judgement about your sexuality can be tough. 

Please see the link below for more information and support on what is sexuality, what is sexual orientation, sexuality and mental health, talking to others, discrimination and accessing help:

• Sexuality and mental health | Understanding Your Sexuality | YoungMinds

For other online support for the LGBTQIA community, please see the below links:

• OUTpatients - LGBTIQ+ Cancer Charity – transforming cancer care into a more inclusive environment. Access on line and in person support groupsa to meet other LGBTQIA people affected by cancer
• The Proud Trust - Home of LGBT+ Youth – find youth groups and chat to others from the LGBTQIA community
• Young Futures | Stonewall - a hub for all young lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people thinking about their next steps.
• LGBT Foundation – A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
• emptyclosets.com - Online community for anyone aged over 13 who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or is curious or unsure.
• consortium.lgbt/member-directory - Directory of services and groups for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

If your sexuality is affecting your mental health, you may want to explore having counselling, you could access counselling by visiting your GP or following the below link to find your local NHS talking therapy service and self refer:

• Find NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression - NHS

Or if you prefer, you could opt for a text based service, such as:

Young Minds textline 

Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. Text YM to 85258. 

• https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/youngminds-textline/ 

The Mix – crisis messenger 

The Mix’s crisis messenger text service provides free 24/7 crisis support across the UK to those 25 and under.

Text THEMIX to 85258.

• themix.org.uk