Channel 4’s ‘Underage and Gay’ documentary looks at life for LGBT teens

A recent survey suggests the average age for teenagers to come out is now as low as 15. This would suggest the world is now a more tolerant place, but what is the reality for LGBT teenagers in Britain today?

In the documentary film Underage and Gay, screening this Wednesday March 11 on Channel 4, we meet bright, articulate, funny teenagers who tell their own stories during this tumultuous period of their lives:

16-year-old Tamika. 

Tamika (pictured above), 16, is a sassy, confident lesbian. After years of fitting in, and keeping a low profile, Tamika has decided that her school prom is her chance to smash some preconceptions her schoolmates have about her by turning up in an elegant evening gown.

Then there’s Beckham (above), a funny, outspoken 14-year-old from Bradford whose sexuality was never in doubt to those who knew him. The documentary tracks a crucial six months in his life where his desire to be out, open and honest about his sexuality leads to him experiencing vile homophobic abuse, starting on social media and escalating to real-life threats.

Mykyla (pictured above), 14, is a self-described ‘butch lesbian’ and as such has had issues fitting in with other girls. We follow Mykyla as she attempts to meet more people ‘like her’. She goes on a residential boat trip with an LGBT group. During the trip she finds out about not only herself, but about love, as she meets a partner who helps her question her gender identity.

Then there’s Alex, 17, who was born a female, but is starting to construct a new life as a male. Unfortunately, his parents never accepted his sexuality, or gender orientation, and so, after some domestic strife, he was placed in a hostel, away from a family that had always mistreated him. We watch as he attempts to build a new life away from them, and struggles with the realities of being a transgender teen.

Finally, we meet Cariad (above), 14, a Welsh lesbian who has suffered horrific bullying. The documentary is with her as she emerges after the bullying has been dealt with, as she launches her new look and new confidence on her peers and returns to the scene of her previous abuse: school.

Underage and Gay screens 11pm this Wednesday March 11 on Channel 4. Here’s a preview: