Matthew is a young person from East Sussex who identifies as a gay man - part of the LGBT+ community.

Here, he speaks about overcoming self-consciousness, depression and anxiety, his attitude to homophobia and staying safe online, as part of the My LGBT+ Story video collection, which focuses in depth on what it’s like to be LGBT+ in the UK today in many walks of life.

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Skip to topics:

00:11 No longer being self-conscious about my effeminate traits

02:18 Finding ways to improve my mental health

04:22 How I think about homophobia in my small home town

06:48 Facing intimidating behaviour as an LGBT+ person

08:23 What my mum, dad and family think of me as a gay person

13:13 Putting myself in danger online as an LGBT+ young person

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The My LGBT+ Story video collection is here for LGBT+ young people from all walks of life, as well as for schools, colleges and youth groups to use. Find out more and get free access to the full collection at www.justlikeus.org/mylgbtstory.

If you’re a UK LGBT+ 18 - 25 year old who is inspired by these stories, then find out how you can volunteer for our young people’s LGBT+ charity Just Like Us at www.justlikeus.org/volunteer.

If you’re a UK educator who would like a network of support and resources for your inclusion and anti-bullying work, then find out more about School Diversity Week and Just Like Us school talks and workshops at www.justlikeus.org/schools.

To find out more about the young people’s LGBT+ charity Just Like Us, visit www.justlikeus.org.