LGBT Youth Scotland study finds life in Scotland for young LGBTI people 'significantly worse'

Life in Scotland for young LGBTI people has gotten significantly worse since 2017, a study has found.

The five-yearly study, released by LGBT Youth Scotland, highlighted concerns surrounding homophobia in academic settings, growing transphobia in media coverage, and disparities between rural and urban experiences.

The campaigning and advocacy group found that, out of almost 1300 participants, 65% believed “Scotland is a good place to be LGBTI” – in contrast to 81% in 2017.

While over half of the 1279 surveyed indicated that they had been subjected to a hate crime, only 17% would feel comfortable reporting their experience to the police.

Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “The research is more than just a snapshot of what it’s like now, we are able to compare back to our previous research and see how things are changing over time.”

“Sadly, overall, things are getting worse for LGBT young people in Scotland across most areas.”

Just 37% of participants indicated they were “happy or very happy with their life as an LGBTI young person in Scotland” – down from 57% in 2017, and 66% in 2012.

However, more LGBT young people (82%) felt supported when coming out, compared to 2017 (75%).

Christina McKelvie MSP, minister for equalities said: “We must continue to work hard to make sure that Scotland is a place where young people feel proud to be themselves and where no one is denied rights or opportunities because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”

The Life in Scotland 2022 report comes as the Scottish Government is considering the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which would amend the Gender Recognition Act of 2004, making it easier for people to legally change their gender.