February is LGBTQ+ history month, a time to reflect, remember and celebrate the journey so far with supporting and embracing a diverse society. The latest census data reported that over 1.3 million people in England and Wales identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. More than 1.5% of our population – 748,000 – identify as gay or lesbian, and 624,000 (1.3%) as bisexual. 165,000 people identify as “other” sexual orientations. The 2022 census was the first census to ask the population about their sexual orientation. It’s widely been seen as a “step in the right direction” to better understand different communities across the country.
Homes For Students is a welcoming and inclusive organisation for colleagues and students alike, and as part of LGBTQ+ history month we wanted to shine a light on mental well-being. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, but sadly they’re more common among people who are LGBTQ+.
The true scope of mental illness within the community doesn’t make for comfortable reading. According to studies, half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression and three in five have experienced anxiety. LGBTQ+ people may face things such as discrimination, homophobia and difficult experiences of coming out, to name just a few.
In August 2022, Homes For Students joined the “Safe Space Alliance”, a LGBTQ+-led non-profit organisation helping navigate and create safe spaces. The partnership means colleagues and students know that we are committed to creating truly accepting spaces in all the residential properties we manage. Thanks to our training of Mental Health First Aid Trainers and partnership with the charity, Student Minds, our Property Managers are equipped to offer potentially lifesaving support.
As part of our support for LGBTQ+ history month and to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, we spoke to six colleagues from across our business and asked them to share their stories and experiences.
Do you believe being LGBTQ+ has an impact on mental health?
I feel that it can influence mental health and many of my close friends have been affected. One of my closest friends experienced massive rejection from his whole family, he was left isolated leading to severe depression and addiction. I feel more resources are needed to help the younger generation, many of them our student residents. When I was younger the main issues we faced were around being rejected or abused whereas now people may struggle to identify themselves or find their place in society.
According to Stonewall, LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health. Do you believe that they receive enough support or the right sort of support?
I feel mental health has become a problem for the wider world in recent years due to the pandemic, war, financial crisis etc. I feel there is support there, much more than when I was younger but there may need a more specialised form of support with all the different genders and identities there are today compared to 30 years ago.
Do you think society has changed at all since you were young? What do you think it’s like for people grown up LGBTQ+ today?
I think society has changed a lot. The acceptance is unbelievably different, and more and more people are being educated around this subject. I think we have a long way to go but we are getting closer to how it should be.
What do you think people can do to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues?
Stay up to date, ask questions if not offensive, listen… hear what their story is or how they are feeling. Treating people within the LBGTQ+ community the same as everyone else.
At your place of work, how comfortable were you in discussing being part of the LGBTQ+ community? Did you openly share and feel at ease?
I felt very comfortable at HFS, I was open about it and everyone’s very supportive. I would have felt different 10 years ago in my 20’s but now I feel confident enough to say it to anyone that asks or if it comes up in conversation. HFS have been the most involved and supportive company I have ever worked in.
Can you share with us what it was like growing up LGBTQ+?
Growing up with any characteristic that makes you seem or feel different can be challenging for anyone which can lead to individuals repressing themselves to fit in with their peers. It’s easy to feel judged and stereotyped; especially in a school population which is something I experienced.
Do you believe being LGBTQ+ has an impact on mental health?
Yes, certainly growing up and throughout school or University can be particularly challenging for anyone who ‘sticks out’ or doesn’t ‘fit in’. Anyone can be more prone to aversive behaviour from their course mates, at times resulting in social exclusion and bullying, which can most definitely be detrimental to mental health. It’s great to see things in place now for our students such as the “safe place”, where our residents know they can relax, feeling accepted during their university journey.
What do you think people can do to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues?
I think the main thing is being open-minded and respectful. Nobody wants to hear anything closely personal to them discussed in a negative way or joked about. Some people may prefer for it not to be discussed or mentioned around them.
Everyone is different and will have varying levels of comfort around discussing such things publicly. Avoiding generalisations to the whole LGBTQ+ population can help avoid making LGBTQ+ friends, family, or co-workers uncomfortable.
Can you share with us what it was like growing up LGBTQ+?
Coming from a small town in the north of Scotland was difficult, however having a great circle of friends who all trusted each other helped. I was able to speak openly about myself with those around which really helped me become who I am today.
What do you think people can do to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues?
Talk to each other without pressurising them to engage, be aware of changes in behaviour. Don’t get upset if they don’t want to talk about their personal experiences, remember they are personal to them and may not be ready to share with everyone just yet.
According to Stonewall, LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health. Do you believe that they receive enough support and the right sort of support?
I think now there is so much more support offered to LGBTQ+ and especially the youth networks. I think it’s good for us all to know and understand what help and support is available at any point in our life, but super important for those who are just discovering who they are, and having someone to talk to about the changes and feelings they are experiencing. It’s great that HFS as an organisation fully support an inclusive workplace and a “home away from home” for our students too.
Do you believe being LGBTQ+ has an impact on mental health?
For me personally it doesn’t have a negative effect, but it definitely makes me more aware of my surroundings, social situations, others opinions when I am in new surroundings.
What do you think people can do to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues?
Be understanding, open, accepting, don’t make a big deal, don’t make a fuss, and be there if they need you to listen. It’s important that we’re open and understanding with our colleagues and students, showing support where we can.
Can you discuss with us what it was like growing up LGBTQ+?
I knew I was gay from the age of 13/14, sadly at that time my community was not friendly or accepting of anyone LGBTQ+. People were actually afraid of LGBTQ+ people so obviously that made me feel unsafe to admit who I am. But as soon as I moved to the UK, I found that this country is friendlier towards the LGBTQ+ community. I now have a partner. My partner’s mum invited me to move into her house, she really looks after me and my partner and even cooks for us! My manager Sam is very supportive too and even invited me and my partner to her wedding….which is very first time I attended a public space as a gay couple.
What do you think people can do to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues?
Just be normal. I personally don’t like to be treated differently, just because of my sexual orientation.
No one person’s story is the same, but together we can end the stigma around mental health and support a positive change for the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to June 2023 when our colleagues and students celebrate PRIDE across the UK.
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Homes for Students is the UK & Ireland’s largest independent PBSA provider, managing over 39,000 beds across 160 properties in over 52 university towns and cities. Since its establishment in 2015, it now employs nearly 800 people across its properties and two central service offices in Harrogate and Liverpool.