Our vision

We work to ensure every LGBT+ young person can thrive.

Who we are

We’re Just Like Us, the UK’s LGBT+ young people’s charity.

Founded in 2016, we work with 4 in 5 secondary schools and thousands of primary schools across the UK to ensure LGBT+ young people can thrive.

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Why we exist

Growing up LGBT+ is still unacceptably tough.

Too many young people face bullying, isolation, and a lack of representation – at school, at home, and in the world around them.

We believe that has to change. Just Like Us exists to make it happen.

“Before Just Like Us, I didn’t have a support network. Now, I feel heard, valued, and understood, something I never had back home. I now feel like I can live the life I was always meant to live.”

Scout

What we’re working towards

We envision a UK where every LGBT+ young person feels safe, seen and supported – in every school, every family, at every stage of growing up.

That means schools where LGBT+ inclusion isn’t an afterthought, but a foundation. It means young LGBT+ people who have the confidence, skills and community to flourish, not just survive.

And it means a society who understands what allyship looks like and how to support them.

“When I came out at age 13, it felt like everyone at school hated me, and there was nothing I could do about it. Just Like Us has helped me fall back in love with what it means to be LGBT+.”

Cameron, 21

How we get there

Since 2016, we’ve worked with thousands of schools and hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK. We create change through:

  • Ambassador Programme: We have the UK’s largest cohort of LGBT+ volunteers aged 18 to 25, who we train to speak in schools. We help them develop skills, use their voice and find community

  • Mentoring: A one-of-a-kind programme, we pair LGBT+ young adults – a quarter of whom go back into the closet when they start work – with a senior LGBT+ professional in their chosen industry, boosting their confidence and their employability

  • Pride Groups: We support 1 in 4 UK secondary schools to set up and run lunchtime clubs for their LGBT+ and ally pupils, creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people can finally be themselves

  • School talks: We train ambassadors aged 18 to 25 to share their stories of growing up LGBT+, answer pupils’ questions and show the next generation that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated

  • Teacher training and resources: 14,000 educators from nurseries and primary schools to secondary schools and colleges across the UK use our tools, support and inclusion initiatives such as Pride and Rainbow Friday to change school culture and tackle bullying

  • An LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers: We empower families to have the confidence for much-needed conversations at home with their children, helping young people grow up in households where LGBT+ topics are no longer surrounded by shame and stigma

  • Groundbreaking research: Our reports are regularly covered by national press including the Guardian, BBC and Independent, supported across political parties and used as a strong evidence base for making systemic change for LGBT+ young people

Our values

Lead with heart and versatility

We are here for LGBT+ young people. We work together with them and for them with care and compassion, with patience and in partnership. We need to be ready to adapt and try new approaches if we are to support LGBT+ young people to thrive.

Harness the power of diversity

We collaborate proactively across roles, disciplines and via partnerships. We understand the importance of different perspectives, listen and communicate actively and effectively.

Challenge with integrity

We challenge ourselves and others to break new ground, keep moving forward and keep improving whilst continuing to inspire, build trust and stand by our principles.

Educate and empower

We are dedicated to learning and professional development. We develop ourselves and create opportunities for others to own and lead societal change.

Be inquisitive and inclusive

We ask lots of questions. We know that we don’t have all the answers. We work with others to break down barriers and create an inclusive and rewarding learning environment.

Research and reflect

We are driven by evidence. We illuminate lived experience, scrutinise data and tell its important story. We reflect very carefully about our work and our impact. 

Donate today

LGBT+ young people need our support more than ever

In these increasingly difficult times, LGBT+ young people really need our support and demand for our programmes is growing. Please will you make a donation to Just Like Us today?

A small amount monthly may be more manageable and would help us commit to long-term projects.

Young people’s stories

“I can live the life I was always meant to live.”

Discover how Just Like Us is changing LGBT+ young people’s lives, like Scout’s, by joining our mailing list.