Are LGBTQ+ Young People Getting the Support They Need? UK Conference Calls for Action
LGBTQ+ young people joined educators, MPs and campaigners at a Gateshead conference exploring safer schools, inclusion and practical support.
Young LGBTQ+ people took centre stage at a sold-out national conference in Gateshead, where educators, campaigners and charities gathered to discuss how schools and communities can provide better support.
The Safer To Be Me 2026 conference took place on 6 November at the ONE Centre in Pelaw, organised by ReportOUT and OUT North East, with Pride Action North also involved.
Speakers included Jarrow and Gateshead East MP Kate Osborne, Schools OUT chief executive Sue Sanders, Pride in Education founder Laila El-Metoui and former headteacher Colin Scott.
Giving young people a voice
The conference explored discrimination, access to safe spaces, gender identity and the challenges facing LGBTQ+ young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Students from Gateshead College played an important role, contributing to discussions, providing event support and performing for delegates. Their involvement ensured young people’s experiences were part of the conversation rather than simply being discussed by adults.
Drew Dalton, chief executive of ReportOUT, welcomed the participation of younger attendees, emphasising the importance of listening to those directly affected by decisions about education and support services.
The discussions also highlighted the pressures facing teachers and youth workers as they navigate changing policies and public debates surrounding LGBTQ+ inclusion.
What happens next?
While no specific new national policies were announced, organisers hope the conference will encourage greater cooperation between schools, charities and community organisations.
The challenge now is turning those conversations into practical support, ensuring LGBTQ+ young people have safe places to learn, socialise and express themselves.
Further information is available through ReportOUT’s Safer To Be Me conference website.
Image credit: Haydn Brown Photography.
