LGBT+ youth face anxiety in southern Denmark’s Haderslev, study reveals

For many young people, gymnasium is an exciting yet anxiety-inducing time filled with parties, friendships, and academic competition. For Nicolaj Laue Juhl, however, it was also a challenging period. The 26-year-old nursing student described his experience at his high school in Haderslev, a town in southern Denmark, as both thrilling and unsafe. He felt nervous about openly expressing his sexual identity as a homosexual, experiencing bullying, threats, and name-calling.

A study from the National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare reveals that Juhl is not alone in his struggles within the young LGBT+ community. The situation appears particularly severe in southern Jutland, where 57% of 15- to 17-year-olds identifying as LGBT+ show signs of moderate to severe anxiety and depression, compared to 48% in the greater Copenhagen area.

Juhl found acceptance only after moving to Copenhagen at 20, noting significant differences in representation and openness in the city compared to his hometown. In Copenhagen, he observed more individuals showcasing their identities without fear, contributing to a culture of greater acceptance.

Susanne Branner Jespersen of LGBT+ Denmark explains that the lack of community resources outside major cities exacerbates feelings of isolation among LGBT+ youth. Michael Nebeling Petersen, a gender studies lecturer at the University of Copenhagen, highlights the importance of fostering supportive communities to combat these issues.

The mayor of Haderslev has expressed willingness to collaborate with LGBT+ groups to improve local conditions. Meanwhile, all parties in the Southern Denmark region, excluding the Danish People’s Party, have committed to developing an LGBT policy by the end of next year.

Equality Minister Magnus Heunicke acknowledges the challenges faced by LGBT+ youth and emphasizes the government’s commitment to addressing these issues through planned initiatives. Juhl advocates for more discussions in schools to combat discrimination and promote acceptance of diverse sexual identities.