LGBTIQ+ and mental health
This section of the schools mental health toolkit has been created to support young people, parents and carers, and places of education with mental health issues in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity.
You can find resources to help support young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+), as well as links to services that can offer meaningful, judgement-free support.
We hope these resources help support young people identifying as LGBTIQ+ to live healthily and happily, with acceptance, support and respect, and to prevent issues from escalating.
Resources by topic
| YoungMinds: Sexuality and Mental Health | This Young Minds page explores the experiences that young people can have due to their sexuality, which affects your mental health. It includes information on what sexuality is, what you can do to improve your mental health and how to talk about it with others / support friends and family. |
| YoungMinds: Questioning Sexuality and Impact on Mental Health | In this Young Minds article Dhyana, 18, shares how questioning her sexuality has impacted her mental health, and what has helped her cope during the process. |
| The Proud Trust: Exploring Sexual Orientation | The Proud Trust page on exploring sexual orientation. It explains what sexual orientation is, how you can figure out yours, and common words people may use to describe theirs. |
| The Mix: How to explore your sexuality | The Mix article on how to explore your sexuality. It explains what sexuality is, how to deal with confusion, developing feelings for a friend, how to deal with panic and more. This article is for older teenagers 15+. |
| The Mix: Bicurious? | The Mix article for young people on what Bi-Curious means, what to do if you think you are, being your own person and coming out as bisexual. |
| The Mix: What is Pansexuality? | The Mix article on what pansexual means, the difference between this and bisexual, what CIS means and how you know if you are pansexual. It also signposts to where you can get further support. |
| Support on how to explore your sexuality | The Mix article on how you can get support on exploring sexuality through Switchboard (LGBT+ Helpline). They now take calls, instant messages and emails from 10am – 10pm all year round (even through Christmas). |
| YoungMinds: Coming out and Mental health | Young Minds are a mental health charity that support children, young people and their parents. In this article Imogen talks about her experience of coming out, what role models helped her come to terms with sexuality and where to get help if you are also struggling with this. |
| Supporting a friend / family member with coming out | The Proud Trust have put together some tips on how to support your friend / family member when they come out to you. It explains what you should do, what not to say and how to be an ally. |
| Coming out to yourself about sexual orientation | The Proud Trust provide advice on coming out. It discusses coming out to yourself first before coming out to others, labelling your identity, and why it is important to share this part of your life with people you trust and feel safe with. |
| Coming out as LGBTQ+ as a person of faith | This Proud Trust page talks about coming out as LGBT+ when you come from a religious background. It talks about how you can address feeling uncomfortable in your place of worship, what support you can get from your school / community when coming out to parents, and how you can handle negative comments about your faith from within the LGBT+ community. |
| The Mix: What does coming out mean to me? | Emmanuela from The Mix discusses her experience of coming out. She discusses sexuality and labels and where to go if you need support. She talks about being CIS privilege and how coming out differs in the community. |
| Coming out and Loneliness | Amy from The Mix describes how coming out can be lonely. She discusses personal experiences and advises other young people on how they can tackle this, why you deserve to be happy and what you can do if it is not received well. |
| The Mix: Coming out to a religious family | This article discusses how you can handle coming out as gay, bi or trans, if you are from a religious background. It highlights talking to someone, joining support groups and how to deal with repercussions. |
| Mermaids UK | Mermaids works with young people who feel at odds with the gender they have been assigned. They also work with parents and carers of young people going through these feelings. As well as reading information on their website, you can also call the Mermaids helpline on 0344 334 0550 – if you need help now, text ‘Mermaids’ to 85258. |
| Mindline Trans+ | Mindline Trans+ is a UK-wide helpline run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-fluid people. They offer a confidential and non-judgmental listening service – just call 0300 330 5468. The service is also available for friends and families of trans+ people in need of support and advice. |
| YoungMinds: A Trans Person’s perspectve on Mental Health | In this article, Matt Sheldrick, a young trans man, talks about his experiences of being transgender and the impact this has had on his mental health. He discusses getting help, his biggest sources of support, and his advice to others. |
| Mermaids UK: Resources for Young People | Mermaids UK provides resources for Young People on changing names, non binary information, transition, religion and more. They also signpost to relevant videos and podcasts. |
| The Mix: Young and Trans, Gender and Sexuality | The Mix article on what to do if you are feeling confused about your gender and how it can be an isolating time. They help you understand the different issues trans young people face and where you can go to get the support you need. There is also a list of definitions for the trans community. |
| A guide for young people: Gender and Mental Health | This Young Minds page explores what gender identity is and how it can impact your mental health. It signposts to where you can get help and explains key terms such as Cisgender / Transgender, Intersex, Non-binary, and Pronouns. |
| What does Genderqueer mean? | The Mix article explaining what the term gender queer means, challenging gender norms, why gender identity is important and where to get support. |
| The Mix: How to combat transphobia | The Mix, explains what transphobia means, why people may be transphobic, how to combat transphobia online and how to deal with family and friends. It also signposts to where you can get further support. |
| London Friend | London Friend is a charity which supports the LGBT community in and around London. They offer counselling and support in relation to topics such as relationships, gender identity, and promoting self love and confidence. They have social groups which you can join and services are delivered by trained volunteers. |
| Allsorts Youth | Allsorts Youth Project listens to, supports & connects children & young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+). You can join youth groups, get one to one support and there is a variety of resources for young people. |
| The Proud Trust for LGBT+ Youth | The Proud Trust are a charity who support LGBT+ youth. They have lots of help and advice for young people on their website including exploring identity, coming out, staying safe and faith and religion. It also signposts to LGBT+ youth groups in the UK where you can meet and socialise. |
| Samaritans | Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout Great Britain and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline. Call 08456 90 90 90 at any time of the day or night for emotional support and befriending in complete confidence. |
| Papyrus | Papyrus – suicide prevention helpline for young people. Call 0800 068 41 41 / text 07786 209697 / email pat@papyrus-uk.org – Monday-Friday 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm, bank holidays 2pm-5pm |
| Childline | Childline – helpline for children and young people. Call 0800 11 11 at any time of the day or night to speak to a counsellor. |
| Saneline | Saneline – helpline offering information and emotional support to those experiencing mental health difficulties, their families and carers. Call 0845 7678 000 Monday-Friday 12pm-11pm, weekends 12pm-6pm. |
| Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline | Switchboard is a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. Call 0300 330 0630 – available 10am-11pm every day and for online chat. |
| Young Stonewall | Stonewall is a website for LGBTQ+ young people and allies which provides helpful advice and information. If you need to talk to someone, you can also call the Stonewall information service on 0800 050 2020. |
| TogetherAll: Online Mental Health Service | Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. There are trained counsellors – called Wall Guides – on hand 24/7 to keep the community safe and the site also hosts a library of articles, tips and courses to help you understand how you are feeling. The service is available for free if you are a college or university student. |
| NHS Mental Advice for if you are LGBTQ+ | This NHS page provides mental health support if you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBTQ+). It discusses talking therapy and where you can get help, for example your GP and support organisations. |
| Mosaic Trust | The Mosaic Trust support, educate and inspire young LGBT+ persons by providing accessible activities, programmes and services that aim to empower community members. Young people can get involved in youth clubs, retreats, mentoring, online counselling and more. |
| New resource to help LGBTQI+ young people with their mental health | The Anna Freud Centre has released a new resource, LGBTQI+ mental health, which explores some important topics in relation to being a member of the LGBTQI+ community. It also provides advice for LGBTQI+ young people on where they can go to get additional support for mental health problems, should they arise. |
| Princes Trust: LGBT+ Resources | The Princes Trust provides a list of support available for LGBT+ young people and further advice on housing, financial support and more. |
| Do you identify as Gay and Muslim? | The Mix article which explores culture and impact on how you feel about yourself, when you identify as gay. They spoke to the organisation Imaan, who provide information and support for LGBTQIA+ Muslims in the UK. The article also includes links to where you can attend meetings with Imaan for further support. |
| The Mix: Being Gay and having a disability | The Mix article on an interview with Paddy Smyth (13) who speaks openly about his life as a gay person. He talks about how having a disability has affected how he navigated his sexual identity, ways of being an ally and his experiences. |
| 8 Queer History & Culture Instagrams To Follow Right Now | Refinery 29 outlines, we outline eight of the best queer history and culture Instagrams to follow right now. |
| Become Charity: Resources for LGBTQ+ Young People in Care | Become is a charity which wants to make a difference to individual lives, and the care system as a whole for future generations. This page lists resources for youth in care to support LGBTQ+ young people in care feel safe, supported, understood, and seen. |
| Stonewall Glossary for LGBTQ+ Terms | Stonewall has created a list of simple definitions for LGBTQ+ terms. |
| The Trevor Project Resources for the LGBTQI+ Community | The Trevor Project provides articles, resources and guides for young people. You can also explore by topic including Sexual Orientation, Mental Health, Gender Identity, Suicide and the diversity of LGBTQI+ community. |
| Good Thinking Information on Stonewall | This Good Thinking page tells you about Stonewall which is an online service offering information and advice for LGBTQI+ communities and their allies. It also advises on response times and some of the great tools available. |
| Good Thinking Information on StopHate UK | This Good Thinking page tells you about StopHate UK which is a service across eight London boroughs that supports victims and witnesses affected by all forms of hate crime. It provides you with the helpline numbers, where you can access these services, benefits/considerations when using the service. |
| Step Forward: Get LGBT Support | Step Forward support local young people who are facing disadvantage and enable them to thrive. They provide a Free & confidential services for all young people aged 11-25, living in & around Tower Hamlets, East London. |
| Free2B | Free2B alliance is a London based community organisation supporting LGBTQI+ young people and their parents. They provide 1:1 group services in the community and and seek to provide a safe space for all. |
| Young people like me | On this Proud Trust Page you can find out about some members of the LGBT+ community, and the books, films and TV where LGBT+ people are represented. |
| Exploring LGBT+ and Religion | This website explores what it’s like to be LGBT+ and have a religion, faith or belief. It has stories from LGBT+ people of faith, navigating scripture, faith groups, and responding to homophobia. |
| YoungMinds: Where to get support as LGBT+ young person in sports | This article is an experience from a gay trans man playing rugby. They talk about dealing with anxiety / PTSD and how their rugby team supported their struggles and provided a safe space to socialise and play rugby. |
| How to cope at Christmas as a young LGBTQIA+ person | Amiee from The Mix discusses tips for coping at Christmas as an LGBTQIA+ person. It includes advice on spending time with pets, exploring nature, engaging with supportive communities and what charities can help you through the festive period. |
| Accessing support when struggling with identity and mental health | The Mental Health Foundation discusses what young LGBTQI+ face and signposts to where you can access support. |
LGBTIQ+ media and culture: the following hubs include TV shows, films, books and podcasts which focus on, or represent LGBTIQ+ communities and experiences.
| Young Royals | Young Royals is a Swedish-Scandinavian coming-of-age teen drama series and set in an elite boarding school. The plot revolves around Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, and his romance with another student and challenges he faces. This can be watched on Netflix. Suitable for ages 14+ and content warning for scenes of a sexual nature and drugs/alcohol. |
| The Umbrella Academy | The plot follows a team of super-powered children bought and raised by a billionaire to save the world. There is LGBTQI+ representation in The Umbrella Academy through both the actors (Elliot Page) and also the characters themselves (Klaus Hargreeves). This can be watched on Netflix, suitable for 14+ and content warning for violence, suicide, substances, language, and smoking. |
| Atypical | Atypical is a coming-of-age story that follows Sam, an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence. Casey Gardner (Sam’s sister) is a bisexual character from Atypical. The second season explores racism, sexism and homophobia. This can be watched on Netflix and is suitable for ages 14+. Content warning for some sexual references. |
| Glee | This is a musical teen drama which focuses on students navigating issues such as sexuality, race, gender identity, bulimia, pregnancy and school violence. Key characters include Kurt/Blaine and Santana/Brittany. This can be watched on Netflix and is for ages 13+. Content warning for violence, sexual references, drinking/smoking. |
| Modern Family | Comedy show about the life of Jay Pritchett and his extended family who all live in LA. Two of the characters include: Mitchell and Cam who are married, and raising their adoptive daughter Lily. This can be watched on Netflix. |
| Brooklyn Nine-Nine | This is a comedy show set in the Nine-Nine precinct in Brooklyn which follows a team of detectives and their lives. It includes LGBTQ+ characters; Rosa Diaz (Bisexual) and Captain Raymond Holt (Gay and married)and has won a GLAAD Media Award. |
| Love Simon | Love Simon is a coming of age story about 17 year old Simon Spier. It is described as ‘a poignant, coming-of-age teenage movie with a difference. It explores the difficulties young gay people have talking about their sexual orientation with their friends and families.’ It explores Simon’s relationship with his parents, friends and the person he likes and how he deals with these conflicting emotions. It can be watched on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Channel 4 when it re-airs from time to time. Content warning for homophobia and sexual references. |
| Booksmart | Booksmart is about two best friends who realise they should have worked less and had more fun. On the eve of their high school graduation, they try to cram four years of fun into one night. This is a chaotic adventure that no amount of book smarts could prepare them for. This can be watched on Netflix/Amazon/Hulu. Content warning for sex, language, drinking and drugs. |
| The Perks of Being a Wallflower | The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming of age film which celebrates inclusivity and tolerance by showing how people can blossom when they are accepted for who they are and how painful life can be for people who are ignored or mistreated. One of the main characters Even Chbosky represents the experience of a LGBTQ+ teen and growing up queer. The film can be watched on Amazon Video/Hulu/Netflix. Trigger warning for sexual abuse, substance abuse, homophobia, and mental illness. |
| Moonlight | This film is about the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. It follows his journey to adulthood, guided by the love of the community that helps raise him and how he finds his place in the world. You can watch Moonlight on Youtube/Amazon Video. Content warning for homophobia, abuse, language, and violence. |
| The Half Of It | This is a film about a shy, American student Ellie Chu who begins to like a girl. It explores themes of loneliness, connections and love. It promotes self acceptance and self love. This can be watched on Netflix and is suitable for 13+ however please note there is language and underage drinking. |
| Love Victor | Victor is a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and accepting his sexual orientation. This can be watched on Netflix/Disney+/Hulu. Suitable for 14+. |
| Olly Alexander: Growing up Gay | Olly Alexander from the band Years and Years, explores the mental health issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as his own relationship to his identity. This is available for free on BBC iPlayer. |
| Are You Proud? (2019) | This documentary by Ashley Joiner, consists of rare archive footage and interviews across a spectrum of historical campaigns and current activists in the United Kingdom celebrate and contextualise the LGBTQ+ Pride movement’s landmark achievements. It can be watched on Amazon Video. |
| BBC LGBT+ | This BBC page consists of documentaries exploring experiences of being LGBT+ in the UK and abroad. |
| Lily: A Transgender Story | This documentary was filmed over five years and follows Lily Jones as she transitions from male to female, leaves her seaside home for the city, undergoes gender reassignment surgery and finds love. This is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. |
| Disclosure | Disclosure is a Netflix documentary about the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. It features many trans actors and filmmakers, including Laverne Cox, Alexandra Billings and Jamie Clayton. |
| Milk | This is a biographical film from 2008, which follows the life of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and politician. He was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, and the film shows what life was like for gay people in the 1970s. The film is available on Amazon Prime. |
| Channel 4: Gay to Z | Six episode series which introduces six young people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). Each faces very different issues, some of which relate to their sexual orientation eg. looking for love, difficult situations and coming out. |
| Chanel 4: The Pride Collection | List of shows on this channel which celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and culture. This includes shows on football and coming out, teen experiences in schools and more. Please note some of these shows have age ratings. |
| Boy Meets Boy | This book by David Levithan is about Paul who is a sophomore at a high school. It explores his life as the ‘first openly gay’ class president’ and his feelings towards Noah a boy he meets. Paul also helps his friend Tony who is struggling with his religious parents that are not accepting his sexuality. This can be bought online or requested at a public Library. Content warning for homophobia and bullying. |
| The Perks of Being a Wallflower | The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming of age story which celebrates inclusivity and tolerance by showing how people can blossom when they are accepted for who they are and how painful life can be for people who are ignored or mistreated. One of the main characters Even Chbosky represents the experience of a LGBTQ+ teen and growing up queer. It can be bought online/at a book shop, requested at a public library or watched on Netflix. Trigger warnings for substance abuse, bullying, homophobia, sexual abuse, mental illness and suicidal ideation. |
| What is Gender | This book by Juno Dawson looks at gender and the different issues surrounding it such as what exactly is gender and how is it decided? It also explores how gender differs in different countries, and how the world interacts with it. The author explains somewhat complicated topics in a simple and easy way and allows you to find out what gender is really about. This can be bought online or requested at a library. |
| Noteworthy | Noteworthy by Riley Redgate is about Jordan Trenton’s junior year at Crockett Boarding School for the Performing Arts. Jordan disguises herself as Julian in order to join an acapella group and this follows her journey at juggling two identities. It explores themes of self-discovery, culture, sexuality and the conventions of gender. This can be bought online or read at a public library / requested at school. |
| Alan Turing: A Life Story | This book explores the life of Alan Turing who was a code-breaker and genius (also LGBTQ+). It talks about his work and explains complicated ideas and theories. It is available to buy online / requested at a Library. |
| Heartstopper Volume 1 | This graphics novel is a coming of age LGBTQ+ story about Charlie and Nick who meet at school. They find themselves drawn to each other and the novel explores love, friendship, mental illness, belonging. This can be bought online (and will soon be available to watch on Netflix). Content warning for bullying and homophobia. |
| Leah on the Offbeat | Leah on the Offbeat focuses on Leah (Bisexual), the best friend of Simon Spier, and her attempts to deal with various personal issues including friendships and relationships, body image, sexuality, self-esteem, going to college and feeling like an outsider. This can be bought on Amazon/Waterstones/Online Book shop or requested at a public Library. Content warnings for bi-phobia and fatphobia. |
| Girl2girl – The Lives of Young Lesbian and Bisexual Women | This book is written for girls who have ever questioned their sexuality or liked other girls. This consists of many voices through poems, autobiographies, jokes, messages and advice to each other. It is written by young women age 14-21 who provide advice on how to live openly and also provides advice from teachers and a list of support groups in the UK. This can be bought online or requested at a library. |
| Alex As Well | This book is about Alex who is struggling with their gender identity. It explores how Alex deals with coming out to their parents and they embrace this new identity. It explores sexuality, navigating friendships, and finding a place to belong. Available to buy online, or you can find it at a public library / request it at a school library. Content warnings for public outing, transphobia, bullying, abusive parents. |
| Proud | Proud is a anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a celebration of talent and is funny, emotional and thought provoking. Available to buy online, or you can find it at a public library / request it at a school library. |
| Juliet Takes a Breath | This book explores queerness, race and feminism. It is about Juliet who after coming out to her family, takes on an internship with her favourite feminist writer. This book is a great way to learn more about identity politics and intersectionality. Available to buy online, or you can find it at a public library / request it at a school library. Content Warnings for homophobia, racism, fat-shaming, sexual harassment, smoking, use of d-slur (in a reclaiming nature). |
| Queer Heroes: Meet 53 LGBTQ Heroes From Past and Present! | This book is a celebration of queer heroes from throughout history. There is amazing art (full colour portraits) and a diverse selection of role models including activists, famous figures, politicans, writers, athletes and more. The short biographies make it an easy read and this can be bought online / form a book shop or found at a public library. |
| Full Disclosure | The is about Simone Garcia-Hampton, a queer black teen born HIV-positive. Simone is forced to navigate a world of fear, discrimination and ignorance that surrounds her inherited disease. Full Disclosure is entertaining, empathetic and funny, perfect for teens wanting to know more about HIV. This can be bought at any book shop / online or rented at a public library. Trigger warnings include forced outing, bullying, racism, and homophobia. |
| Loveless | A funny and emotional coming of age story which features an asexual/aromantic protagonist (Georgia) who is coming to terms with her sexuality. It explores starting at University, friendship and self love. This can be bought at any book shop / online or rented at a public library. Trigger warnings include sex, bullying, internalised aphobia. |
| Seventeen: Podcasts that all LGBTQI+ teens should listen to | Seventeen Magazine sets out a list of podcasts that LGBTQI+ teens should listen to for advice, support and celebration. This includes conversations on what it means to be part of this community, experiences of coming out, listening to to friends talk about their experiences, and music recommendations from Queer musicians. |
| LGBT Youth: Pillar Podcast | This podcast was made in collaboration with LGBT Youth Scotland’s Pillar Group and Waverley Care’s Wave project. It educates people about struggles LGBTQ+ teens are facing and to spread the message that you are not alone. All members were 13-21 at the time of recording. |
| Rosaline | Rosaline is a short, animated film that tells the story of a brave young woman in a fairytale land who outwits every villain in her path to get to her sweetheart. It is suitable for children 6+ and can be watched on Hulu. |
| Out | This short pixar film is about Greg and his boyfriend Manuel who are packing to move when Greg’s parents drop by unexpectedly. It has silly humour and promotes messages of acceptance. It is suitable for children 6+ who can watch it for free on Youtube. (Rated PG) |
| The Loud House | The Loud House airs on Nickelodeon and centers on Lincoln Loud, the only boy in a large family, who is always up to something. His best friend Clyde has two dads and his sister is bisexual. This is a great show for young people with lots of LGBTQ+ representation. This can be watched on TV, Netflix, and also Youtube. Suitable for age 7+. |
| The Owl House | The Owl House centres around Luz, a teenager, who accidentally falls into a portal to a magical realm. Instead of returning home, Luz decides to stay in the hopes of becoming a witch like Eda, her mentor in the realm. This is available on Netflix and clips can be watched for free on Youtube. Suitable for 8+ children. |
| Andi Mack | Andi Mack is centered on Andi, a 13-year-old girl dealing with a difficult family situation. One of Andi’s best friends, Cyrus, is also struggling as he comes to terms with his sexuality and his relationships. This can be watched on Disney+ (some clips are free on Youtube) and is suitable for children 10+. |
| Doc Mcstuffins | “Doc McStuffins” features lesbian moms as the heads of one household. This show is suitable for children aged 2-5 and centres around Dottie who want’s to become a doctor like her mother. Episodes can be watched on Youtube Kids for free. |
| The Boy in the Dress | This is a book about tolerance and acceptance. Dennis likes Vogue magazine, fashion, and wearing his friend Lisa’s clothes. He questions the traditional gender roles and deals with difficult situations at school. This can be listened to for free on Youtube or bought online/in book shops. Suitable for age 8-12. |
| The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne |
This book is about 8-year-old Barnaby, a boy who isn’t affected by gravity. He is cut loose by his ‘normal’ parents and he floats away to meet a variety of ‘different’ friends who have similar life expereinces. There are some great illustrations and the book is suitable for 8+. It can be bought at any bookshop/online. |
| Lumberjanes | Lumberjanes is a child-friendly, girl-centric comic book series. Five friends spend the summer at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp. There is queer representation in this with same-sex parents, trans and lesbian characters. You can access this for free on Youtube. Suitable for age 10+. |
| George | This book is about George who knows she’s a girl, even if her mum doesn’t see it. It explores how George deals with school and family challenges and is a coming of age story about bullying and ignorance. Suitable for ages 10+ and can be bought at any bookshop. |
| The Pants Project | Liv takes on the establishment, as well as his assigned gender, when he challenges the school’s uniform policy: the one that requires him to wear a skirt. The public battle parallels Liv’s own journey, from childhood questioning to defining his identity to friends and his two mums – this is suitable for 9+ and can be bought at any book shop. |
| Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow | 12-year-old Archie Albright explores love, friendship and acceptance, as well as meeting many LGBTQI+ characters along the way. Suitable for 9+ and can be listened to on YouTube for free or bought at any book shop. |
| Pride Parade Mad Libs | Pride Parade Mad Libs features 21 fill-in-the-blank games all about Pride. From the parade to pioneers who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights and the history of Stonewall, this book is fantastic for children who want to know more about their history. Suitable for 8-12 years. |
| The Whispers | This is a fantastical coming-of-age story about loss, friendship, and identity. Main character is 11-year-old Riley, who sets off on a journey with his friend Gary to find the whispers and ask for his mom to return, and for his crush Dylan to like him back. Suitable for ages 10+ and can be bought online. |
| Julián Is a Mermaid | This is a Stonewall Award-winning picture book which is about Julián, a child who is beginning to understand gender nonconformity after he meets three women dressed as shimmering mermaids. This celebrates self-love and individuality. It can be bought at Watersones / Amazon or can be watched for free on Youtube. Suitable for age 4-7. |
| Daddy, Papa, and Me | Daddy, Papa, and Me by by Leslie Newman talks about a toddler’s day with his parents. There is rhythmic text and great illustrations to make this a easy read for all families. This is suitable for ages 0-3 and can be listened to on youtube for free or bought in any bookshop. |
| My Two Moms and Me | This board book features a diverse array of families with lesbian mothers going about their daily routines, including playdates, pool-dates, and bedtime reading. Published in 2019 with artwork by an acclaimed fashion illustrator called . Suitable for ages 0-3 years and can be bought online. |
| Families Belong | Families Belong by Dan Saks looks at the unconditional love within a family. There are illustrations and rhyming text of families singing together, reading together, and going on a picnic together. It is recommended for ages 0-3 and can be bought or listened to on Youtube for free. |
Contact the CYP mental health team with any feedback or suggestions to add to this toolkit: hlp.cyp-programme@nhs.net.
Return to the mental health in schools toolkit homepage for children and young people