Gemma Lockyer Turnbull

LGBTQIA+ young people are navigating a period of significant social, political and cultural uncertainty. Debates surrounding gender identity, sexuality, equality and inclusion have become increasingly polarised, while social media has amplified both affirmation and hostility. At the same time, young people are growing up in a context characterised by economic insecurity, declining trust in institutions, and increasing concern about global issues including climate change, conflict, migration and democratic participation. For many young people, these issues are not abstract political debates. They shape how safe they feel, whether they believe they belong, and how they understand themselves and their place within society. Yet, opportunities to explore these questions with trusted adults and peers are becoming increasingly limited as funding is cut and youth services continue to reduce (McManus, 2026). These challenges cannot be understood separately from the changing nature of youth work itself. Reductions in funding, increased commissioning requirements and a growing emphasis on targeted interventions have contributed to the decline of many open access youth work opportunities (Davies, 2024). While targeted support undoubtedly has an important role, the loss of universal and voluntary youth workspaces has reduced opportunities for young people to gather, build relationships, develop shared and individual identity and engage in critical dialogue about the issues affecting their lives. Historically, youth work has provided something distinctive: spaces where young people can voluntarily engage with trusted adults, test ideas, challenge assumptions and explore complex issues without fear of judgement. This includes conversations about politics, identity, discrimination, power, relationships, community and social change (Alldred, Cullen, Edwards, and Fusco, 2018). Such discussions are not peripheral to youth work; they are central to its educational and democratic purpose. For LGBTQIA+ young people, access to these spaces can be transformative. Research demonstrates the importance of access to spaces which promote social wellbeing, belonging and supportive relationships in promoting wellbeing and resilience (Garcia, Vargas, Clark, Magaña Álvarez, Nelons and Parker, 2020).

Youth work environments can provide opportunities to explore identity, discuss current events, challenge misinformation and develop confidence in expressing views, particularly when wider public discourse feels hostile or uncertain. This workshop will explore how youth workers can continue to create safe and brave spaces for dialogue during periods of social and political tension. It will examine the relationship between youth work, democracy and identity formation, considering how practitioners can support LGBTQIA+ young people to engage critically with the world around them while maintaining inclusive and psychologically safe environments.