What is identity?
Your identity is the unique things about you that make you, you. It’s good to be different because if we were all the same, the world would be boring! It’s easy to think that everyone else knows exactly who they are and feels like they fit in but even the most talented and successful people sometimes feel different and unsure. If you chat to your friends and family, you’ll find that most people feel different in some way at some point in their lives, especially while growing up.
People can feel different for many reasons, for example their skin colour, religion, being gay or transgender, or just feeling like they don’t fit in. Feeling different from people around you, can be lonely or make you worry but it can also make you proud and confident. You may find it helpful to talk to someone about this – whether this is with an adult you trust or maybe even a professional
Your right to be you is protected by law
Some things that might make you feel different, like being gay, transgender or having a disability, are called protected characteristics, and The Equality Act 2010 is a law that protects people with protected characteristics from discrimination (i.e. being treated unfairly for being different).
Here’s a list of different issues that young people sometimes have questions or concerns about, and some helpful websites where you can find out more.
Disability and Special Educational Needs (SEND)
Living with a disability | Childline
You Are #NOTTALONE
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