As Pride Month gets underway, Childline reminds children and young people of all ages that it is here to help, whatever their worries.
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 2,411 counselling sessions to children and young people with issues or concerns about sexuality and gender identity
More than 40% of the counseling sessions centered on coming out, with many young people sharing their fears of being judged if they revealed their sexuality.
Young people contacting Childline about coming out express concerns regarding their parents’ reactions, fear of alienation from friends, and struggles with mental health.
“I want to tell my parents I’m bisexual, but I’m scared of what they’ll think. They come from a strict background, and I’ve seen them judging others for being gay. We’re close but they don’t have a clue about me. I don’t want to disappoint them, I just want to be accepted for who I am.”
A boy, aged 16, on Childline
When contacting Childline to discuss issues related to sexuality and gender identity, young people also expressed concerns about questioning their sexuality or gender identity, experiencing discrimination or prejudice, and facing bullying.
“I’m trans and still kinda in the process of figuring my identity out. There’s been so much hate for us lately in the news in terms of people taking their lives, kids being attacked, governments putting harmful laws in place. I’m scared as to what this means for my future,and if I’ll ever be able to live as myself.”
A transgender boy, aged 17, on Childline
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, talked about the service: “Coming out remains one of the main subjects that young people want to discuss when contacting Childline about their sexuality or gender identity.
“It is a privilege that young people turn to the service to help them navigate a pivotal and potentially difficult moment in their lives. Our trained counsellors are there to offer impartial support to help them to manage these often complex emotions.
“This Pride Month, I want to remind all young people that Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space where they can discuss their feelings and concerns freely.
Childline is urging adults to be understanding and respectful as young people explore their sexuality and gender identity
They encourage adults to be available for any young person who wants to discuss these topics. The charity will be present at Pride events across the country, sponsored by Lidl GB, to show their support.
For the third year, Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s presence at Pride events in Great Britain, helping the charity to reach more people that need their support.
How can I contact Childline?
The Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk, where they can speak to a trained counsellor about any concerns they may have.
Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Childline: 0800 1111
The Childline website has advice and support around sexuality and gender identity for young people.
About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse in the UK and the Channel Islands. They rely on voluntary donations for over 80% of thier funding. The mission is to help children who have been abused rebuild their lives, protect children at risk, and find effective ways to prevent child abuse from occurring in the first place.
“Whenever a child needs support, we are there for them.”
NSPCC
If parents are struggling, they provide assistance. They also advocate for changes in laws and push for governments to do more.
How can adults contact the NSPCC?
The free NSPCC helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection. Adults can contact the helpline 365 days a year.
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk
