Two in five young LGBT people "can't be themselves" around their own family

Survey results seen by #MentalHealthMonday Podcast also shows demand for better representation of diverse relationships in mainstream media

Author: Mick CoylePublished 21st Feb 2022

Two in five young LGBT people say they don't feel comfortable being themselves around their own family.

A study from The Mix/Yougov into how 16-25 year olds experience relationships also found there was a big demand for more diverse representation in the mainstream media.

More than 80% of LGBT young people said they'd feel more confident if that was the case.

Relationships research

Previous studies in the UK have shown that LGBTQ+ young people are often rejected by their family and community support networks and The Mix's survey shows that 40% of young people who identified as gay or lesbian disagree that they feel comfortable being themselves around their families.

The most significant factors affecting relationships with family members are sexuality (60%) and gender identity (13%).

In contrast, young heterosexual people are the least likely to feel uncomfortable being themselves around their families, with 85% claiming their families support their goals.

Listen to more on this story on this week's #MentalHealthMonday Podcast

They are also far more likely to feel comfortable with their own identity (84%) than young gay, lesbian or bisexual people.

The survey also found:

  • 67% of young people want to see more honest representations of the complexity of relationships within mainstream media, rather than what they perceive to be idealised versions.
  • Close to half of young people (44%) believed they would feel more confident if there were more varied representations of the relationships shown in mainstream media.
  • Gay and lesbian young people were the most likely to agree that they would feel more confident if there were more varied representations of relationships shown in mainstream media (81%).

LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media

Zoe Bailie, Deputy CEO at The Mix: "This important new research is a startling reminder that young people are struggling to get their voices heard and true lives represented in mainstream media.

"The underrepresentation of the LGBTQIA+ community and young people in less 'conventional' relationships is having a huge impact on their mental health and self-esteem.

"We are delighted to be working on a campaign to help represent and celebrate the many different kinds of relationships young people are having. We believe this will also improve family relationships by leading to more acceptance and understanding.

"The Mix will continue to support all young people and we are calling for more media platforms to take this issue seriously.”

Find out more about The Mix

Download and subscribe to the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".