Yes, I don’t remember the UK stats off the top of my head, but here in North America, about 40% of all homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. That’s a pretty astonishing number that testifies to the genuine fear young people often have about coming out.

But even for kids raised in progressive homes, it can still be tough. I have a young friend in his third year at Bristol uni right now who didn’t come out to his parents until well into his first year.

He agonized about it even though he describes his parents as “old hippies” who have gay friends.

So it’s good to talk to parents about this. Great points in your article. Thanks.