London based LGBTQ+ organisation, Switchboard, is raising awareness of the loneliness many LGBTQ+ people face at Christmas as they fear going home due to lack of acceptance from their family.
It estimates tens of thousands of queer people spend the holiday alone rather than with family, and aims to provide support for those who are isolated this Christmas.
Research by Direct Line has shown that as a result of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, 38% of LGBTQ+ 16-35-year olds are more nervous about going home this year than in previous ones.
One fifth of respondents also said their family responds negatively to discussing LGBTQ+ topics, and Switchboard has found the number of calls it receives increases during December.