Space
Most spaces are controlled and defined by adults, which can be stressful for young people. LGBTQ+ young people may also feel stressed by environments where their sexuality/gender are marginalised. Services should foster comfortable, young person-centred spaces, away from adult demands. In order to adequately explore identity safely, spaces need to be (re)defined to centre LGBTQ+ young people and their needs.
What’s the problem?
Harper* (staff member) said “I’ve written a lot about space in my practice, because it is something that is defined by other people and owned by other people and it’s problematic. People don’t give trans people any space without asking them to say why they’re taking it up.”
