In my work with younger LGBT people I am saddened by the continuing high levels of emotional and psychological distress they experience - even with increasing degrees of social acceptance and legislative changes. There is still much to do. Last week's Stonewall report on gay men's health reports that 3% of those surveyed had contemplated suicide in last year. My own clinical experience, gained over 30+ years, is that those from religious backgrounds where the religion was taken seriously in the family are more likely to be at risk of emotional distress and psychological illness.
Here we have an anti-bullying in schools video which,whilst being a little schmaltzy, makes the point that there have to be big cultural changes in schools. It comes from Ireland. I wonder if the UK governments would feel able to produce their own versions and what about the many faith schools treatment of their sexual minority young people.
There has to be a greater degree of support and openness on the part of both staff and students. What do you think?
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