New research shows almost half of LGBTQ+ adults are estranged from their family

Almost half of LGBTQ+ young adults (46%) are estranged from at least one family member and a third (31%) are ‘not confident’ that their parent/guardian will accept them, according to new research by LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, Just Like Us.

The survey of 3,695 adults aged 18 to 25 found that LGBTQ+ young adults were twice as likely as non-LGBTQ+ young adults to say they were not close to their immediate family members (14% compared to 6%).

For trans and non-binary adults, this figure jumped to a fifth (19% and 23% respectively).

The charity found that a third (31%) of LGBTQ+ young adults were not confident that their parents, guardians or carers would have a positive response to them coming out.

The LGBTQ+ identity most confident that their parents or carers would accept them were lesbians (72%); the least likely were questioning (47%), asexual (56%), non-binary (57%) and transgender (57%) young adults.

The data forms part of a new report by Just Like Us called Positive Futures, due to be published on June 1. Just Like Us’ research was carried out independently by Cibyl in January 2023.

Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us, said: “As LGBTQ+ people, many of us know the anguish that the breakdown of family relationships causes us when we’re not accepted for who we are.

“It’s sadly a common myth that being LGBTQ+ is easier today, when in fact many LGBTQ+ young adults remain fearful of their parents not accepting them, with almost half estranged from at least one family member.

“It is heartbreaking to see that so many LGBTQ+ young adults spending their formative years in fear that their parents won’t love them because they’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans.

“LGBTQ+ young people should know that their identities are valid and deserve to be celebrated, and we hope more parents and teachers will show them that this is the case.

“When there is silence, there is shame, so we must talk about these topics in school and at home to ensure LGBTQ+ young people no longer live in fear of rejection.”