Sexuality and identity
Sexuality and sexual orientation is about who someone feels physically and emotionally attracted to. This can be romantic or emotional attraction, or both. As children and young people grow up, it’s natural for them develop and express their sexuality in healthy ways. Many young people also feel unsure about their sexuality or who they’re attracted to, or find that their sexuality changes over time. There are lots of different types of sexuality or sexual orientation, and young people may use different terms to describe how they feel. LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and more.
Gender identity is different from sexuality and describes how a person feels about their gender. A child or young person will be the best person to know what identifier matches how they feel. For many people, their gender identity corresponds to the sex they were registered at birth. For others, it does not. There are many expressions of gender identity, including non-binary and genderfluid, and for some people, the concept of gender isn't relevant to their identity. Children and young people can also question or feel unsure about their gender identity, or find that their gender identity changes over time.
Top Tips
- Tell your child you accept them for who they are and that you will support them.
- Be open minded - listen and learn from your child.
- Help your child to find a good support network.
Herefordshire Community Safety Youth Hub offers information and signposting to resources.
NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Allsorts Youth Project support families and young people aged 26 and under.
Childline can provide information and support around sexuality and gender identity.
FFLAG supporting families, friends and LGBT+ loved ones.
LGBT Foundation offer a friendly, non-judgemental helpline, an email support line, information and signposting.
Mermaids provide information and support for trans, non-binary and gender diverse children, young people and their families.
The Mix offer information and support around gender and sexuality.
Young Minds can support with information and advice if your child's experiences around gender identity are affecting their mental health.