LGBTI+ Resources
Introduction
Coming out as LGBTI+ or transitioning at any time can be challenging. Coming out as LGBTI+ or transitioning as a young person in care can add to this challenge.
After extensive consultation with care-experienced young people, EPIC and our project partners BeLong To, have created 2 leaflets and a short animated video as part of a project funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
These leaflets and the animation will:
- Outline some of the potential challenges for these children and young people and the professionals in their care situation,
- Highlight supports that can make the ‘coming out’ process less daunting and also
- Raise awareness of the often-harmful effects that being outed can have on a child or young person’s mental health and on the relationship building process.
videos
1. Coming out or transitioning in Care - Animated Video for Professionals
We shared this video for the first time at EPIC’s LGBTI+ Webinar during Care Week 21’. The content of the video was designed and developed by members of our LGBTI+ Youth Advisory Committee who are all care-experienced themselves, and the video reflects their concerns and lived experience.
We hope that children and young people in care, and the professionals working with them, find it informative and useful.
2. Coming out in Care - LGBTI+ Youth Advisory Committee Video
This video is a short explainer about the journey undertaken by some wonderfully talented, care experienced young people, Dillion and Siobhán.
They we part of our LGBTI+ Youth Advisory Committee who wanted to create resources to help other LGBTI+ children and young people in care, and the professionals working with them, based on their own experiences.
Our LGBTI+ Youth Project aims to put the voices and experiences of LGBTI+ children and young people in care front and centre, to enable others to understand the supports and services necessary from them.