My book, Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum, contains links throughout to books, websites and YouTube videos that might be helpful to explore the topics further, as well as information on how to get in touch with organisations that may be able to help you in a crisis. As a) reading out urls doesn’t translate well to audiobook format and b) new books come out and website links change or become outdated, I’ve compiled all those resources here for easy access and to ensure people have the most updated version of the information contained in the book.
I hope you find this useful.
What is LGBTQIA+?
Books
The A–Z of Gender and Sexuality: From Ace to Ze by Morgan Lev Edward Holleb
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
Links
Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/faqs-and-glossary/glossary-terms
Human Rights Campaign: www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms
Amnesty USA: www.amnestyusa.org/pdfs/toolkit_LGBTglossary.pdf
YouTube Videos
The ABC’s of LGBT+ Series by Ash Hardell: http://bit.do/ABCsOfLGBT
In this series, which has been running for several years, Ash runs
through different terms, definitions and identities that can be
found in the LGBTQIA+ community. Some of these definitions
change over the years, as knowledge of these things has evolved,
so it’s an excellent look at both what words mean and what it’s like
to learn new things about the words we use.
Figuring It Out: Sexuality
Books
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith E. Maroney
Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Links
ReachOut: https://au.reachout.com/articles/understanding-yoursexuality
Childline: www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/ sexual-identity/sexual-orientation
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN): http://www. asexuality.org/?q=general.html
YouTube Videos
Having Pride by Thomas Sanders: http://bit.do/Having-Pride
End of Pride Month Q & Gay by Thomas Sanders: http://bit.do/Q-And-Gay
Thomas himself identifies as gay, but in this series, and his other videos, he features a lot of his friends who talk about their different experiences with gender and sexuality.
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including common questions around figuring out sexuality (e.g. ‘This is something that’s happened to me, does it mean I’m bisexual?’). It includes sections on being gay, lesbian, bisexual and asexual, and a general section on sexuality. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
The Neverending Queer-y: My Queer Ace Journey by Vesper (Queer as
Cat): http://bit.do/The-Neverending-Queery
In this video, Vesper goes back through old YouTube videos and uses them to document the last decade of their journey with gender and sexuality. It includes a look at changing labels, evolving identities and the ongoing process of figuring stuff out.
Basically I’m Gay by Daniel Howell: http://bit.do/Basically-Im-Gay
In this video, Dan talks about the journey to figuring out his
sexuality, his relationship with different labels and how he got to
where he is now
Realising We’re Gay by Jessica Kellgren-Fozard: http://bit.do/Realising-Were-Gay
In this video, Jessica and her wife Claudia talk about how they realized they were gay.
Figuring It Out: Gender
The Gender Unicorn: https://transstudent.org/gender/
Books
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith E. Maroney
Trans Teen Survival Guide by Owl and Fox Fisher
Uncomfortable Labels: My Life As A Gay Autistic Trans Woman by Laura Kate Dale
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Links
Mermaids: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people
Childline: http://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/
ReachOut: https://au.reachout.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gender
YouTube Videos
Having Pride by Thomas Sanders: http://bit.do/Having-Pride
End of Pride Month Q & Gay by Thomas Sanders: http://bit.do/Q-And-Gay
Thomas himself identifies as gay, but in this series, and his other videos, he features a lot of his friends who talk about their different experiences with gender and sexuality.
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including common questions around figuring out sexuality (e.g. ‘This is something that’s happened to me, does it mean I’m bisexual?’). It includes sections on being gay, lesbian, bisexual and asexual, and a general section on sexuality. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
The Neverending Queer-y: My Queer Ace Journey by Vesper (Queer as
Cat): http://bit.do/The-Neverending-Queery
In this video, Vesper goes back through old YouTube videos and uses them to document the last decade of their journey with gender and sexuality. It includes a look at changing labels, evolving identities and the ongoing process of figuring stuff out.
How I Knew I Was Transgender by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/How-I-Knew-I-Was-Transgender
Gender Dysphoria Before & After Transitioning by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/Gender-Dysphoria
Just Gender Dysphoria Things by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/Just-Gender-Dysphoria-Things
In these videos, Jamie talks about how he figured out that he is transgender, and also goes into more detail about the ways that gender dysphoria can be experienced.
My Genderation Documentary Films by My Genderation: http://bit.
do/My-Genderation
A playlist of short documentaries by trans filmmaking project My Genderation featuring a number of different trans people, of all ages and identities, talking about their lives and their experiences.
Coming Out
Books
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith E. Maroney
Trans Teen Survival Guide by Owl and Fox Fisher
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Links
Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/
YouTube Videos
Basically I’m Gay by Daniel Howell: http://bit.do/Basically-Im-Gay
In this video, Dan talks about the journey to figuring out his sexuality, his relationship with different labels and how he got to where he is now.
Coming Out (Elle Mills Style) by Elle Mills: http://bit.do/Coming-Out-Elle-Mills
Elle comes out as bisexual to her friends by getting them to guess who she has a crush on and then revealing that it’s a woman. She then decorates the outside of her house in rainbow colours in order to come out to her family.
I’m Gay by Eugene Lee Yang: http://bit.do/Im-Gay-Eugene
Eugene comes out in a beautifully shot and choreographed music video detailing his journey.
Coming Out as Transgender to my Sisters In-Law by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/Coming-Out-As-Trans
Ways to Come Out as Transgender by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/Ways-To-Come-Out-As-Transgender
In the first video, Jamie and his fiancée, Shaaba, tell Shaaba’s young sisters that Jamie is transgender, what that means, and answer any questions they have. It’s lovely. In the second video, Jamie looks at fun ways to come out as trans.
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including how to come out as trans to your family. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
Places to stay
AKT (formerly The Albert Kennedy Trust) – An organization specifically
designed to combat LGBTQIA+ homelessness
Phone:
- If you’re in the South, call the London office: 0207 7831 6562
- If you’re in the North West, call the Manchester office: 0161 228 3308
- If you’re in the North East, call the Newcastle office: 0191 281 0099
- If you’re not in any of these areas, you can call the one nearest to you or contact them online
Online support (lets you speak to a digital mentor):
Nightstop – An organization that tries to prevent homelessness in young people through community hosting
Phone:
- 020 7939 1220
Finding local support:
The Runaway Helpline – An organization to support people who have run away, or who are thinking of running away
Phone:
- 116 000 (free call or text)
Email:
Online chat:
- www.runawayhelpline.org.uk (chat box is on the bottom right of each page of the website)
Shelter – An organization offering support and advice on all aspects of
housing
Phone:
- England: 0808 800 4444 (8am to 8pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm on weekends)
- Scotland: 0808 800 4444 (9am to 5pm on weekdays)
- Wales: 0345 075 5005 (9.30am to 4.00pm on weekdays only, you can ask for a Welsh speaking service)
Online support:
- England: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/webchat (online chat service, 9am to 5pm on weekdays only)
- Scotland: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us
- Wales: https://sheltercymru.org.uk/email-advice (fill in the online form)
Face-to-face support:
- England: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/local_services (put in your postcode to find a local service)
- Scotland: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/projects
- Wales: https://sheltercymru.org.uk/get-advice/advice-near-you
Other useful numbers:
- Citizens Advice Bureau: 03444 111 444
- Samaritans: 116 123
- National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline: 0300 999 5428/0800 999 5428
- Switchboard LGBT+: 0300 330 0630
Autistic and LGBTQIA+
Twainbow – A support group for autistic LGBTQIA+ people, with information and resources on their website (www.twainbow.org).
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith R. Maroney: a book bringing together a collection of narratives from people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and autistic.
Under A Double Rainbow: Autism and LGBTQIA+ by Maxfield Sparrow: an article about people who are autistic and LGBTQIA+, including resources, tips for parents/carers and personal experiences
Safety
Stonewall – A campaigning organization for the equality of LGBT people
across Britain
Online information service:
Advice on coming out:
Switchboard – an LGBTQIA+ specific helpline
Phone:
- 0300 330 0630 (open 10am to 10pm every day)
Live chat:
- https://switchboard.lgbt/# (click the purple speech bubble at the bottom right-hand corner to activate the live chat)
Mermaids – An organization offering support to young people who are trans, gender variant, or questioning their gender
Phone:
- 0808 801 0400 (open 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, although bank holidays may vary. If you can’t get through, leave a message with your phone number and they will call you back. If you have a specific time when you would prefer someone to call back, say this in the message you leave)
Email:
Online chat:
- https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/contact-us (the chat box is on the bottom right of this page. Click the ‘Let’s Chat’ button. If the chat option isn’t available, the button will say ‘Sorry our web chat is currently closed’)
Youth forum:
- https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people/youth-forum (an online safe space to speak to other young people who may have gone through the same thing)
- You will have to complete a form (with a valid email address) and request to join the forum. You may want to set up a new email address for this if it’s safer for you
Childline – A counselling service for children and young people in the UK provided by the NSPCC
Phone:
- 0800 1111 (free and open 24/7, although calls between midnight and 7.30am may be limited to 15 minutes)
- There are some Welsh-speaking counsellors. When calling, let them know that you would like to speak to someone in Welsh and a time will be arranged for you to do this
Online chat:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat (click the box on the right-hand side to enter the waiting room. There is a traffic light system to indicate how busy the service is, and how long you might have to wait)
Art box:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/art-box (this enables you to draw about how you are feeling. If you struggle to express yourself with words, or English isn’t your first language, you can share what you draw with the counsellor you speak to in the online chat)
- You will need to create an account and sign in to save what you draw. You can do this by clicking on the box in the bottom right-hand corner next to the Art box
Message boards:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/message-boards (you can chat with other young people who understand or may have gone through the same thing)
Advice on coming out:
Transitioning
Books
Trans Teen Survival Guide by Owl and Fox Fisher
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue by Nicholas M. Teich
Links
Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/transitioning
Mermaids: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people/resources-for-young-people
NHS: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment
Gender Census: https://gendercensus.com/
Nonbinary Wiki: https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Main_Page
Changing your name: (http://www.legal-deedpolls.co.uk/)
Changing your passport: http://www.gov.uk/ changing-passport-information
Changing your driving licence: http://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence
Guidance on changing your name/gender with the Department of Work and Pensions: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/transitioning/docs/depwork
Guidance on changing your name/gender on documents: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/transitioning/docs
Template letter to request to change your gender marker on your medical records: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/transitioning/docs/passport/doctorsletter
Guidance for trans people on the tests and screenings you may need (which you may have to keep track of after changing your gender marker, as you may not get the right updates): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-population-screening-information-for-transgender-people/nhs-population-screening-information-for-trans-people
Information on autism and gender identity that may be useful: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autism-and-gender-identity
Campaigners and organizations are still fighting for changes to the Gender Recognition Act:
- http://www.stonewall.org.uk/gender-recognition-act
- http://www.transactual.org.uk/the-gender-recognition-act
- https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/mermaids-manifesto-for-gra-reform
YouTube Videos
FTM Outro || Transition Start to Finish by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/FTM-Outro
Trans Guys Comparing Transitions ft. Noah Finnce by Jammidodger: http://bit.do/Trans-Guys-Comparing-Transitions
In the first video, Jamie looks back from the beginning of his transition to the present, including all the changes that took place along the way. In the second video, Jamie and Noah compare their experiences with transitioning. Jamie has lots of videos on his channel detailing his experiences with hormones and various surgeries
I’m Transgender Playlist by Mathilda Hogberg: http://bit.do/Im-Transgender
In this playlist, there are a lot of videos where Mathilda talks about her experiences with transitioning, what it’s like to be on hormones, surgeries and coming out to people as trans after transitioning.
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including common questions around transitioning, binding, pronouns and attending gender identity clinics. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
There are lots of other YouTube videos about transitioning, but be aware: if you search ‘transitioning’, there are a lot of videos about detransitioning, and this may give you the impression that detransitioning is common. While the experiences of detransitioners are real and valid, they are not the experiences of the majority of people who transition. The number of videos you find does not necessarily equal the percentage of trans people who have those experiences.
Information on autism and gender that might be useful to share with professionals whilst transitioning
The National Autistic Society has a comprehensive webpage on what autism is, what autistic people might experience, and what autism isn’t: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
The National Autistic Society also has a page on autism and gender identity: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autism-and-gender-identity
Wenn Lawson, a trans autistic man and researcher of 20 years, has several books published, and also gave an interview about his experiences of gender and autism, including advice for professionals: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories/stories-from-the-spectrum-wenn-lawson)
Jay Avery, a non-binary autistic writer and activist, wrote a piece for the Huffington Post about why being autistic doesn’t mean you aren’t trans (including links to studies and information that might be helpful): www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jay-avery/trans-autism_b_14418218.html
Miscellaneous
Example document to change your name by deed poll:
I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name]
and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name].
Signed as a deed on [date] as [old name] and [new name] in the
presence of [witness 1 name] of [witness 1 address], and [witness 2
name] of [witness 2 address].
[your new signature], [your old signature]
[witness 1 signature], [witness 2 signature]
LGBTQIA+ Relationships and Friendships
Books
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith E. Maroney
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Doing It! Let’s Talk About Sex by Hannah Witton (this is primarily about sex, but it has some good information about healthy relationships and spotting abuse)
YouTube Videos
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including common questions around relationships and friendships if you’re LGBTQIA+. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
Resources if you’re in an abusive relationship
Galop – An organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence
Website:
Phone:
- 0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 8pm)
Email:
Online form:
Webchat:
- In the bottom right-hand corner of the website, a blue box marked ‘specialist web chat services’
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Run by Refuge, this is a support service for women and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence
Website:
Phone:
- 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day)
Online chat:
- http://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Chat-to-us-online (Monday to Friday, 3pm to 6pm)
Send a message:
- http://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us
- (if you need to be referred to a refuge, let them know and they can do this. However, if you are not a cis woman, double check that the support they offer is available to you)
Respect – An advice and support line for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence
Website:
Phone:
- 0808 8010327 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
Webchat:
- https://mensadviceline.org.uk/contact-us (Wednesday: 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm; Thursday: 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm; Friday: 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm)
Email:
Childline – A counselling service for children and young people in the UK provided by the NSPCC
Phone:
- 0800 1111 (free and open 24/7, although calls between midnight and 7.30am may be limited to 15 minutes)
- There are some Welsh-speaking counsellors. When calling, let them know that you would like to speak to someone in Welsh and a time will be arranged for you to do this
Online chat:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat (click the box on the right-hand side to enter the waiting room. There is a traffic light system to indicate how busy the service is, and how long you might have to wait)
Art box:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/art-box (this enables you to draw about how you are feeling. If you struggle to express yourself with words, or English isn’t your first language, you can share what you draw with the counsellor you speak to in the online chat)
- You will need to create an account and sign in to save what you draw. You can do this by clicking on the box in the bottom right-hand corner next to the Art box
Message boards:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/message-boards (you can chat with other young people who understand or may have gone through the same thing)
Sex
Books
Doing It! Let’s Talk About Sex by Hannah Witton
Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith E. Maroney
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford
Links
LGBT Foundation: http://lgbt.foundation/sexualhealth (although it is based in Manchester, the online advice is helpful)
clinicQ: https://cliniq.org.uk (a queer inclusive trans-led wellbeing and sexual health service)
Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk/category/sexual-health (a list of organizations and websites that might be helpful)
The National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/family-life-and-relationships/sex-education (this is aimed at parents and carers, but it still has some useful information)
Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/
kip/sexualhealth
Autism and Sexual Vulnerability – One Woman’s Story, article on Neuroclastic: https://neuroclastic.com/2019/11/22/autism-andsexual-vulnerability-one-womans-story
No, Autistic People Are not Sexless, article by Violet Fenn: https://metro.co.uk/2018/01/10/no-autistic-people-are-not-sexless-oursex-lives-are-as-varied-as-anyones-7141226
YouTube Videos
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including having sex as an LGBTQIA+ person. You can find the question you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
Disability, Sex, Relationships and Dating Roundtable by Hannah Witton: http://bit.do/Disability-Sex-Relationships-and-Dating
A roundtable hosted by Hannah Witton, featuring a frank and relaxed discussion with disabled people on their experiences with sex, relationships and dating. Hannah’s channel is dedicated to talking about sex, relationships and disability – if there’s something you want to know, Hannah will probably have a video on it! You can find her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/hannahgirasol.
Autism and Sexuality by Purple Ella: http://bit.do/Autism-And-Sexuality
A discussion about autism and sexuality, including how being autistic and having sensory issues can impact sex and relationships.
Sex; Trauma, Disabled and Autistic by Agony Autie: http://bit.do/Sex-Trauma-Disabled-Autistic
A very frank and personal discussion of one woman’s experiences as a queer, disabled, autistic person navigating sex and trauma. It includes talking about sex after trauma, communicating with sexual partners and different ways of looking at sex. There are discussions of abuse, assault and trauma, so it comes with a trigger warning.
Sexual abuse
Galop – An organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence
Website:
Phone:
- 0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 8pm)
Email:
Online form:
Webchat:
- In the bottom right-hand corner of the website, a blue box marked ‘specialist web chat services’
Rape Crisis – A network of independent rape crisis centres for women and girls aged 16+ across the country
Website:
Phone:
- 0808 802 9999 (open midday to 2.30pm, and 7pm to 9.30pm every day of the year)
Live chat:
- https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk (Monday: 2pm to 4.30pm, 6pm to 9pm; Tuesday: 2pm to 4.30pm, 6pm to 9pm; Wednesday: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9pm; Thursday: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 8.30pm; Friday: 9am to 11.30am)
Find a local rape crisis centre:
- https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/find-a-rape-crisis-centre (note: these contact details only cover England and Wales. A list of similar resources for people outside England and Wales can be found at: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/looking-for-information/support-outside-of-england-wales)
Survivors UK – A service for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. An inclusive service for anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them
Website:
Phone:
- 0203 598 3898 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm)
Email:
Online chat:
- http://www.survivorsuk.org/young-people/help-online (Monday to Sunday, midday to 8pm. When you contact them, they will also give you options to communicate through text or WhatsApp)
Childline – A counselling service for children and young people in the UK provided by the NSPCC
Phone:
- 0800 1111 (free and open 24/7, although calls between midnight and 7.30am may be limited to 15 minutes)
- There are some Welsh-speaking counsellors. When calling, let them know that you would like to speak to someone in Welsh and a time will be arranged for you to do this
Online chat:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat (click the box on the right-hand side to enter the waiting room. There is a traffic light system to indicate how busy the service is, and how long you might have to wait)
Art box:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/art-box (this enables you to draw about how you are feeling. If you struggle to express yourself with words, or English isn’t your first language, you can share what you draw with the counsellor you speak to in the online chat)
- You will need to create an account and sign in to save what you draw. You can do this by clicking on the box in the bottom right-hand corner next to the Art box
Message boards:
- http://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/message-boards (you can chat with other young people who understand or may have gone through the same thing)
Out and About: LGBTQIA+ Spaces
Books
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
Links
Stonewall: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/category/youth-groups (list of groups for young LGBTQIA+ people)
Stonewall: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/setting-lgbt-youth-group (a guide for setting up your own youth group)
The Proud Trust: www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people/lgbt-youth-groups/where-can-i-find-a-youth-group (search engine to find LGBTQIA+ youth groups in your area)
Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/transidentities/orgs (list of groups for young trans people)
LGBT Chat: www.lgbtchat.net
Childnet: http://www.childnet.com (information to help you stay safe on the internet)
BiPride: https://biprideuk.org/2020/05/26/event-announcement-bi-fi-festival/ (Bi-Fi Virtual Pride that took place in 2020)
YouTube videos
Does Pride Exclude Disabled People? by Jessica Kellgren-Fozard: http://bit.do/Does-Pride-Exclude-Disabled-People
In this video, Jessica discusses the issues that disabled people can face at Pride and at Pride events, as well as the issues disabled people can face trying to find community groups and events. She also discusses ways in which LGBTQIA+ spaces can do better to include disabled people.
Making Queer Spaces Accessible by The AmBIssadors: http://bit.do/Making-Queer-Spaces-Accessible
I am a guest in this video, talking with two other bisexual activists about how we can make LGBTQIA+ spaces more accessible for autistic people (as well as more accessible for other disabled people).
Dealing with Bullying, Bigotry and Injustice
Books
Trans Teen Survival Guide by Owl and Fox Fisher
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel Madrone
Resist!: How to Be an Activist in the Age of Defiance by Michael Segalov
Links
Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/projects/kip/bullying
Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk/resources-disabled-lgbt-peopleand-lgbt-people-accessibility-needs
National Bullying Helpline: www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
YouTube videos
The Sex Education You Never Had *PRIDE EDITION* by Ellbat: http://bit.do/Sex-Education-You-Never-Had
In this hour-long video, Ellbat (with an appearance by Fox Fisher) answers lots of questions about all things LGBTQIA+, including how to deal with bullying and prejudice. You can find the questions you need answering, and what time they appear in the video, in the description box for easy access to information.
Reasons to Smile Playlist by Thomas Sanders: http://bit.do/Reasons-To-Smile
This is the most important playlist that I have. So I’m giving it to you. This playlist is a part of my post-meltdown and mental health plan. I have it on alert on my phone to remind me to watch it whenever I’m struggling. It’s a brilliant, happy mix of all the good things that are happening in the world: cute pictures and jokes, but also victories for activists, steps forward for LGBTQIA+ rights, and a reminder it’s worth it to keep fighting. It’s the ultimate self-care and the ultimate inspiration. A reminder to never give up and to never stop being you.
If you have any resources that you know of, any links you find useful, any books you’ve read, any YouTubers you follow etc. that you think should be added here, please let me know in the comments.
If any links provided here are broken, please also let me know and I’ll get them fixed or replaced.