Don't ignore - Sex, Gender and Sexuality

For young people, it is a normal part of growing up to question their sexuality.

A lot of young people will experiment with their sexuality while they work out how they feel and what their preferences are.

Unfortunately a lot of young people who are in this position or who identify as GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) are often marginalised and can experience prejudice and stigma and are at higher risk of suicide and other mental health issues.

For young people in out-of- home care who already have a lot of risk factors, they are even more vulnerable. Being aware this maybe something that are experiencing is useful and never making presumptions about who a young person is attracted to or having sex with are really important to do as a carer. Also being aware of what expectations you put on young people because of their sex is also important.

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