Help Shape Life in Scotland for LGBTQ+ Young People

Every five years, LGBT Youth Scotland gathers evidence about the lives of LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–25 living in Scotland. The findings are used by politicians, policy makers, youth workers, funders and public services to better understand what life is like for LGBTQ+ young people — and where action is needed.

The 2026/2027 research will give LGBT Youth Scotland an up-to-date picture of the issues young people are facing today, while also allowing them to compare experiences across the last 15 years.

The last Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People report (2022) showed why this work is so important:

• 1,279 LGBT young people shared their experiences, making it the largest response to the Life in Scotland survey ever.
• Only 10% of participants rated their experience of school as good, showing why education remains a critical area for change.
• The report showed that most areas asked about had not improved since previous research in 2017, meaning fresh evidence is needed to understand current experiences and keep pressure on decision-makers.

The research helps track change over 20 years, comparing young people’s experiences across 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022.

The evidence gathered will help:

• Show decision-makers including the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the NHS, education partners and others what LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland need right now.
• Identify where support, services and policy change are most needed.
• Adapt LGBT Youth Scotland’s services so they respond to the needs of young people.
• Inform training, resources, consultation responses and work with national partners.
• Strengthen funding applications for services that support LGBTQ+ young people.

Who can take part?

The survey is open to young people aged 13–25 who identify as LGBTQ+ and live in Scotland.

It asks about key parts of life in Scotland, including community, safety, health, education, coming out, work, living situations, representation, media and equality. Some questions invite young people to share their experiences in their own words.

How long does it take?

The survey takes around 20-40 minutes to complete, with a ‘return later’ function so young people can come back to it after a break. It is detailed as LGBT Youth Scotland want to properly understand the breadth of young people’s experiences — and use that evidence to push for meaningful change.