ReportOUT Announces 2026 LGBTQIA+ Youth Conference Amid Growing Challenges for Young People

Professionals working with LGBTQIA+ young people across the UK are being invited to take part in a major upcoming conference focused on the growing challenges facing young people and the organisations that support them.

ReportOUT, alongside OUT North East and Pride Action North, has officially launched a call for papers for its upcoming #SaferToBeMe 2026 mini-conference titled “Changing Times”. The event will take place on November 6, 2026, and aims to bring together voices from education, healthcare, youth work, local government and the voluntary sector to discuss how support systems for LGBTQIA+ young people can continue evolving during a period of increasing uncertainty.

Organisers say the conference comes at a particularly important moment, as many LGBTQIA+ communities continue responding to major legal, political and cultural developments both in the UK and internationally.

Conference to focus on changing realities for LGBTQIA+ youth.

The “Changing Times” conference will explore how professionals can better understand and respond to the pressures affecting LGBTQIA+ young people today.

According to organisers, recent developments including the UK Supreme Court ruling on gender-related issues, updated Government guidance for schools, and a wider rise in hostile rhetoric surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights have created new concerns for young people, families and frontline support services.

The conference is expected to create space for open discussion around safeguarding, mental health, inclusion, education and community support while also offering practical tools that professionals can take back into their own organisations.

ReportOUT said the goal is not only to examine the challenges currently facing LGBTQIA+ youth, but also to encourage collaboration between sectors working to improve wellbeing and equality outcomes.

Workshop proposals invited from professionals across the UK.

Organisers are now seeking 45-minute workshop proposals from individuals and organisations with experience supporting LGBTQIA+ young people.

Applications are open to professionals working in a wide range of sectors, including schools, colleges, universities, NHS services, youth organisations, charities, local authorities and advocacy groups.

The conference team said they are particularly interested in sessions that combine meaningful insight with practical advice that attendees can immediately apply within their own workplaces or services.

Potential workshop topics could include inclusive education practices, supporting trans and non-binary young people, mental health provision, safeguarding strategies, community outreach, tackling discrimination and creating safer environments for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Sessions that encourage discussion, collaboration and innovative thinking are also expected to be welcomed as part of the conference programme.

Organisers highlight growing pressures facing support services.

The announcement comes during a period of heightened debate surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights and youth support in the UK.

In recent years, many organisations working with LGBTQIA+ young people have spoken publicly about increasing pressures on support services, particularly in education and mental health sectors.

Advocacy groups have warned that changes to policy guidance and growing political division around gender identity and inclusion can have a direct impact on young people’s confidence, wellbeing and access to support.

Conference organisers believe events such as #SaferToBeMe 2026 are becoming increasingly important as professionals seek opportunities to share best practice, strengthen partnerships and respond collectively to emerging challenges.

By bringing together people from different sectors, the conference hopes to create constructive conversations that focus on solutions rather than division.

Practical learning expected to be central theme.

Unlike some large-scale conferences focused mainly on policy discussion, organisers say the #SaferToBeMe mini-conference will place strong emphasis on practical outcomes and real-world experiences.

Workshop presenters are being encouraged to provide attendees with clear takeaways, actionable guidance and examples of successful approaches already being used in communities across the UK.

This focus on practical learning is expected to appeal to professionals who work directly with LGBTQIA+ young people and are looking for strategies they can implement within schools, healthcare settings, youth groups and local services.

The event will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration between organisations that may face similar challenges but operate in different regions or sectors.

How to apply for the #SaferToBeMe 2026 conference.

Those interested in submitting a workshop proposal are being asked to provide a one-page summary outlining their contact details, session overview, proposed presentation style and explanation of why the session is important.

Applications should be sent directly to colinscott@reportout.org

Organisers have encouraged early submissions from individuals and organisations hoping to contribute to the conversation around LGBTQIA+ young people’s rights, wellbeing and future support systems.

Further information about the conference and submission process is available through the official ReportOUT website - https://www.reportout.org

Growing demand for LGBTQIA+ youth support discussions.

The launch of the conference call for papers reflects a wider national conversation about how best to support LGBTQIA+ young people in schools, healthcare settings and communities.

Mental health charities and equality organisations have repeatedly highlighted the importance of safe spaces, accessible support services and inclusive policies for LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly during periods of social uncertainty.

Events like #SaferToBeMe 2026 are increasingly seen as opportunities for professionals to exchange knowledge, address concerns and build stronger support networks that can positively impact young people across the UK.

With debates around equality, inclusion and identity continuing to dominate headlines, organisers hope the conference will help ensure the voices and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people remain central to future conversations.

Do you think enough support is currently available for LGBTQIA+ young people in the UK? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and join the conversation around youth wellbeing and equality.

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