A study by Awel revealed on Wednesday that 41% of LGBTQIA+ youth who reach out to the helpline feel unaccepted.
Awel examined 322 conversations through phone, email, and chat from January 2024 to April this year. Young people contacting the helpline about LGBTQIA+ issues are, on average, 15.4 years old and often struggle with doubts about their gender identity. Concerns about acceptance arise in 41% of the conversations, often due to peers or family, and include rejection, bullying, emotional pressure, and even verbal and physical abuse.
The report highlights instances where young people are forced to "out" others, often using social media platforms like TikTok. Additionally, bullying frequently occurs after individuals come out, and some youths still in the closet may join in on bullying or suppress their own feelings out of fear that others might discover they are not heterosexual.
Awel also found that many youths struggle with their own identities and feelings. They experience anxiety about coming out to parents who have previously expressed homophobic or transphobic sentiments.
“People who belong to a minority often find themselves in the spotlight unwillingly and are quickly perceived as different,” said Awel researcher Jo Tambuyzer. The stories received highlight how complex and painful this journey can be. The helpline emphasises the need for more safe spaces, listening ears, and less judgment.
