LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland is a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13–25. Founded in 1989, it provides youth work, advocacy, and support services to promote mental well-being, social inclusion, and equality across Scotland.^[1] Based in Edinburgh, with operations in Glasgow and rural areas, the charity engages over 3,000 young people annually through a network of 49 employees and more than 100 volunteers.^[2] Its advocacy has shaped national policies, notably Scotland’s 2020 adoption of LGBTQ+ inclusive education, the first such national mandate globally.^[3][2][4][5]

LGBT Youth Scotland

Formation	November 1989; 35 years ago (1989-11)
Type	Scottish Charity
VAT ID no.	244805
Registration no.	SC024047
Headquarters	3/2 30 Bell Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 1LG
Coordinates	55.974110°N 3.165870°W / 55.974110; -3.165870
Region	Scotland
Chief Executive	Mhairi Crawford (2019–present)
Revenue	£2.17 million (2023/24)
Expenses	£2.012 million (2023/24)
Staff	42 (2019)
Website	lgbtyouth.org.uk
Formerly called	Stonewall Youth Project

The charity has faced significant criticism over historical safeguarding failures and recent policy positions, prompting regulatory scrutiny.^[6][7][8][9]

History

Map of Scotland with LGBT flag overlay

LGBT Youth Scotland traces its origins to 1989, when it was established as an independent youth group in Edinburgh to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.^[10] It became a national charity in 2003, expanding its remit to address systemic challenges such as mental health disparities, bullying, and social exclusion faced by LGBTQ+ youth across Scotland.^[1] The organisation has since grown to serve urban and rural communities, responding to evolving needs through research and tailored programmes.^[11]

In 2009, the charity faced a major scandal when its former chief executive, James Rennie, was convicted of child sexual abuse as part of a criminal network. The offences were unrelated to the charity’s operations, and Rennie was immediately removed from his role.^[10] In response, LGBT Youth Scotland overhauled its safeguarding policies, aligning with Scotland’s national child protection framework.^[12] The incident remains a point of public criticism, though the charity has since maintained a focus on robust governance.^[13]

Policy and advocacy

LGBT Youth Scotland has been a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Scotland since the early 1990s, shaping policies in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and equality.^[1] As early as 2005, the Scottish Parliament recognised the charity’s efforts in tackling homophobic bullying and empowering young people to influence policy, with MSPs citing its youth groups as vital for addressing social exclusion.^[14] Over three decades, the charity has collaborated with government bodies, schools, and LGBTQ+ organisations to promote inclusion and human rights.^[15]

Education

LGBTI-inclusive education poster used in Scottish schools

LGBT Youth Scotland supported the introduction of mandatory LGBTQ+ inclusive education in Scottish schools, making Scotland the first country to implement such a policy nationally.^[16][17][2] The charity contributed to curriculum guidelines and teacher training via its LGBT Charter programme.^[18][19] By 2023, over 400 schools had adopted the charter, embedding LGBTQ+ topics in subjects like history and literature.^[2]

Some commentators and religious groups have criticised the curriculum, arguing it promotes ideological views.^[20][21][22] The charity has countered that inclusive education reduces homophobic and transphobic bullying, citing academic evidence.^[23][24]

Scotland has been recognised as the first country in the world to embed LGBT+ inclusive education across its national curriculum, a policy that has been praised as a model for reducing stigma in schools.^[24][25][26]

Healthcare

LGBT Youth Scotland has advocated for better healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in transgender rights. Since the 2010s, it has worked with NHS Scotland and groups like Stonewall Scotland to improve mental health services and gender-affirming care.^[27] Its 2018 Trans Rights Youth Commission engaged young people in shaping healthcare policies, pushing for faster access to gender identity clinics.^[2] In 2024, the commission described puberty blockers as “wonderful” for some trans youth, a position criticised after the Cass Review’s April 2024 findings questioned the evidence for their long-term safety.^[28][6] The charity reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based care while supporting youth autonomy.^[29]

Youth empowerment and equality

LGBT Youth Scotland has prioritised youth participation in policy-making through initiatives like its National Youth Forum, launched in 2004, which connects young people with MSPs and local authorities on issues such as hate crime and housing.^[1] Its 2005 parliamentary recognition highlighted its success in empowering youth to combat discrimination, particularly through anti-bullying campaigns.^[30] The charity has supported Scotland’s hate crime reporting framework, training young people to report incidents and advocate for stronger protections.^[31]

As a member of the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights, the charity collaborates with the Equality Network and Stonewall Scotland to advance equality legislation.^[15] Campaigns like Purple Friday and LGBT History Month, marking 21 years in 2024, raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.^[32] Some critics argue the charity’s focus on transgender issues overshadows broader LGBTQ+ concerns, though it maintains a commitment to inclusive advocacy.^[6]

Funding

LGBT Youth Scotland is headquartered in Glasgow with additional offices in Dumfries.^[33]

The organisation is primarily state-funded. In the 2018–19 financial year, LGBT Youth Scotland reported an income of £1.2 million, with over £700,000 provided by the Scottish Government, local councils, and the National Health Service (NHS).^[34] By 2022–23, the organisation’s income had increased to £1,641,246, and further to £2,177,689 in 2023–24.^[35]

LGBT Youth Scotland has also received support from non-governmental organisations. Between 2009 and 2023, BBC Children in Need awarded the charity approximately £466,000 in grants.^[36] However, in May 2024, BBC Children in Need suspended and later withdrew its funding following concerns about historical safeguarding issues. The funding review led to the resignation of CiN chairwoman Rosie Millard.^[37][38][39]

LGBT Youth Scotland generates revenue through its LGBT Charter programme, which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in educational settings. Schools and higher education institutions pay fees ranging from £850 to £2,000 for training, assessments, and accreditation, depending on the number of pupils or staff and the award level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold).^[40]

As of the latest available data, LGBT Youth Scotland employs 49 staff members.^[2][34] Since September 2019, the organisation has been led by Chief Executive Dr. Mhairi Crawford.^[41]

Criticism and scrutiny

LGBT Youth Scotland has faced significant criticism over historical safeguarding issues and recent operational practices. In 2009, former chief executive James Rennie was convicted of child sexual abuse unrelated to the charity’s activities. The organisation promptly severed ties and strengthened its safeguarding measures, aligning with national guidelines.^[10]

In 2024, it was revealed that Andrew Easton, a young service user who contributed to a 2009 “coming out” guide, was convicted of sharing indecent images of children. Easton was neither an employee nor a volunteer, and the guide has been discontinued.^[12]

In 2023, a whistleblower alleged that the charity advised young people on using sterilised blades for self-harm, prompting accusations of endorsing harmful behaviour.^[42] The charity has not publicly addressed these claims, which intensified scrutiny of its mental health support.

In 2024, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) launched an investigation into “regulatory issues” following the charity’s support for puberty blockers, which conflicted with the Cass Review’s recommendations.^[6] Gender-critical groups have criticised the charity’s school charter programme for promoting “LGBT champions” and trans-inclusive policies, alleging insufficient oversight.^[43]

BBC Children in Need suspended funding in May 2024 after its chair, Rosie Millard, raised concerns about historical safeguarding failures.^[8] Chief executive Mhairi Crawford defended the charity, stating that Children in Need’s reviews found no current issues and describing the criticism as “ideologically driven”.^[44] A 2024 lawsuit alleging negligence related to historical abuse was reported, though details remain limited.^[45]

Impact and recognition

LGBT Youth Scotland’s work has been recognised for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly in education. Its contribution to Scotland’s 2020 inclusive education policy has been praised as a global model, reducing stigma in schools.^[24] The charity’s Purple Friday campaign and Life in Scotland reports have raised awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, especially in rural areas.^[15][46] Its collaboration with other LGBTQ+ organisations, including joint statements affirming community support, underscores its role in Scotland’s equality movement.^[47][13]

The charity’s 21-year involvement in LGBT History Month has documented Scotland’s LGBTQ+ heritage, earning praise for preserving cultural narratives.^[32] Despite challenges, LGBT Youth Scotland remains a key advocate for young people, with its programmes influencing policy and fostering community resilience.^[13]