Posted 12 June 2025

Being care-experienced – meaning an individual has spent time in foster care, residential homes, or other local authority care – already presents a unique set of challenges for young people. For care-experienced young people who also identify as LGBTQ+, these challenges can multiply. 

For LGBTQ+ care leavers, the journey to adulthood and independence is shaped by complex challenges that traditional support systems frequently fail to address. The Pledge of Pride research, led by Teesside University, highlights the stark reality faced by LGBTQ+ young people as they leave care in the UK. From experiences of homophobia, transphobia and being outed by professionals, to a lack of inclusive housing and mental health support, the study found that these young people often feel let down by the very systems meant to protect and support them. 

This is where the work of Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) becomes vital. 

Why this matters to Higher Education (HE) 

Our work at GHWY spans outreach and transition support targeted especially at underrepresented groups, including care-experienced learners. We pride ourselves on being conscientious, inclusive and thoughtful in our work. 

But we know there is more that we can be doing.  

The Pledge of Pride report found that more than half of professionals working with care leavers had no training in supporting LGBTQ+ young people. Even more worrying, 63% said their workplaces had no specific organisational guidance on working with LGBTQ+ young people.  

We know that care-experienced young people are already underrepresented in HE and LGBTQ+ young people are overrepresented in the care system. This relationship cannot be ignored if we want to improve outcomes for both groups. The gap in understanding and specific provision for LGBTQ+ youth directly impacts the rates of progression to and through HE. 

Even where support and information is available, care-experienced LGBTQ+ youth may fall through the gaps of both care-leaver support (which may not be LGBTQ+ informed) and LGBTQ+ support (which may not be care-aware). 

How is Go Higher West Yorkshire responding? 

GHWY is already responding to this need by including LGBTQ+ specific content in our Care to Go Higher CPD programme, which is designed to help staff support care-experienced learners more effectively. Incorporating LGBTQ+ inclusive content into this and similar training could help providers build environments where all care leavers feel seen, safe, and supported. 

Creating belonging, not just access 

We know that access to HE is only part of the picture. Belonging also matters. With our strong network of schools, colleges, and universities, we are well-placed to foster affirming, inclusive spaces. We have an opportunity to shine a light on LGBTQ+ care leavers—celebrating their resilience while acknowledging the barriers they still face. 

We encourage educators to take up training and resources that reflect the full diversity of their learners. We encourage institutions to review their local offers and embed LGBTQ+ inclusivity in their care leaver support. We support students and care-experienced individuals in sharing their voices and experiences. 

Together, we can help ensure that leaving care doesn’t mean leaving behind the right to safety, dignity, and opportunity – no matter who you are. 

 

Rob Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer