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Public service reform in Scotland: Your voice matters
Governance | Survey
LGBT Youth Scotland has launched its latest Life in Scotland survey, a nationwide piece of research exploring what life is like for LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland today. Conducted every five years, the survey aims to build a detailed picture of experiences across education, healthcare, work, safety, community life and representation.
Anyone aged 13-25 who identifies as LGBTQ+ and lives in Scotland is encouraged to take part before the survey closes on 5th October 2026.
The findings will be used to help inform decision-makers including the Scottish Government, Education Scotland, NHS services and other organisations that influence policy and practice. The aim is to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ young people by highlighting both positive experiences and areas where further support or change may be needed.
Previous Life in Scotland research has helped politicians, policy makers, healthcare improvement teams, youth workers, funders and public services better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and identify where action is needed.
The survey explores a wide range of topics and aims to provide a snapshot of life for LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland.
Areas covered include:
The questionnaire combines tick-box and open-text responses, giving participants the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words.
The latest version of Life in Scotland has been co-developed with a Young Person Steering Group made up of peer researchers. Young people have been involved throughout the project, helping to design the survey, develop promotional materials, analyse findings and shape recommendations for future change.
The research will also allow comparisons with previous surveys, helping to identify how experiences have changed over the past 15 years.
LGBT Youth Scotland hopes to hear from a diverse range of LGBTQ+ young people from communities across Scotland. By taking part, young people can help create an accurate picture of what life is like today and provide evidence that can support future improvements.
The survey is expected to take between 20 and 40 minutes to complete. While it is one of the most comprehensive LGBTQ+ youth surveys undertaken in Scotland, the organisation says the insights gathered will play an important role in influencing future policy and practice.
Everyone who completes the survey will receive 150 Young Scot points, which can be redeemed through the Young Scot rewards programme.
The survey includes questions about potentially sensitive topics such as mental health, bullying, discrimination and personal experiences. Participants can skip any questions they do not wish to answer, and they can take a break and return to the survey later if needed.
Anyone who feels affected by the topics raised is encouraged to seek support from a trusted person such as a youth worker, friend or family member. Information about support services is also available through LGBT Youth Scotland.
