Pride Glasgow Celebration

Thousands of Scots are expected to take to the streets to celebrate LGBTI people.

42 out of 53 Commonwealth nations currently criminalise same-sex relations.

Thousands of Scots will take part in Glasgow Pride today to show their solidarity towards LGBTI people.

The event will move from Clyde Place to King Street.

NSPCC Scotland's ChildLine service has emphasised to young people with concerns about sexual or gender identity that their counsellors are there to listen, no matter what their worry.

Last year, ChildLine's confidential helpline counselled over 5,300 children and young people from across the UK who were concerned about their sexual and gender identity. ChildLine bases in Aberdeen and Glasgow handled 18% of these contacts, with local volunteers delivering 9531 counselling sessions.

Many of the young people who contacted the NSPCC’s ChildLine helpline were incredibly worried and stressed about coming out to loved ones about their sexual orientation or gender activity. One of the greatest causes of anxiety was parental reaction with many not knowing ‘what to do or how to start the conversation’.

In over a third of cases (36%), the ChildLine volunteer they spoke to on the phone or online was the first person they had told about coming out. Often they struggled to find the words to tell their parents and friends for fear of disappointment or anger, with many scared of being disowned.

Susan Dobson, NSPCC Scotland's ChildLine service manager, said:

"If a young person is concerned about their sexual or gender identity or anxious about coming out, ChildLine volunteers in Aberdeen and Glasgow are trained and ready to work with them to help support them on their journey. ChildLine is there to listen not to judge, and what’s said stays between you and ChildLine.

"Coming out can be a hugely emotional time, and if the young person faces negative reactions it can be extremely painful, particularly if the negative reaction is from somebody they care for.

"ChildLine can support you to be yourself. We can help you explore how you might tell friends and family, help you find the words to explain and can offer a safe place to rehearse what you want to say."

Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said:

"One of the most important messages we can send to young people who are in the process of coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation, is that they are not alone. That’s why getting in touch with LGBT Youth Scotland or attending a youth group nearby and calls to ChildLine are so important during that time.

"You're not alone and there are trained and supportive people available to help make the coming out process easier to cope with, and your sexual orientation and gender identity something to be proud of and not hidden away."