LGBTQ+ young people across Sussex are still not receiving the relationships and sex education (RSE) they need, despite years of efforts to make lessons more inclusive, according to new research from Allsorts Youth Project.
The charity's survey of 68 young people and young adults, conducted during Pride season 2026, found that nearly all respondents felt excluded from the RSE they received at school or college.
The findings reveal that 98% of respondents did not feel represented or included in relationships and sex education, while almost two-thirds (62%) said they learned nothing useful from the lessons they attended. Less than 1% of those surveyed, just a single participant, reported having a positive and useful experience of RSE at school.
Researchers found that the most common topic covered in lessons was condom use, with many young people saying this was the only sex education they received. Respondents described a curriculum that focused overwhelmingly on the experiences of cisgender and heterosexual boys and men, leaving LGBTQ+ students without relevant information about relationships, identity and sexual health.
The lack of inclusive education is having a significant impact on young people's wellbeing, according to the report. Participants said they felt less confident in understanding their identities and relationships, with some reporting that inadequate education contributed to them coming out later in life. Others said they lacked knowledge about how to keep themselves safe and struggled to access reliable information elsewhere.
Nancy Kelley, chief executive of Allsorts Youth Project, said the findings show that LGBTQ+ young people continue to be let down by the education system.
"We know that good quality, non-judgemental relationships and sex education is critical for LGBTQ+ young people's health and wellbeing," she said.
"But more than two decades after the repeal of Section 28 and years after LGBTQ+ inclusive relationships and sex education became the legal standard, we are still letting young people down. Condoms on bananas just isn't good enough. LGBTQ+ young people need, and deserve, much better."
Allsorts said the findings have prompted the organisation to develop new resources aimed at supporting both professionals and parents. Working alongside a specialist sex educator, the charity is creating training designed to build confidence in discussing relationships, sex and identity with LGBTQ+ young people.
The charity is encouraging those interested in supporting the project or learning more about the initiative to get in touch.
The full report is available via the Allsorts Youth Project website at Allsorts Youth resources.
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