Homophobic bullying
School days are supposed to be 'the best days of our lives', and for some of us they can be. But for many lesbians, gay and bisexual young people, schools can be unhappy, even dangerous, places. GALOP, a London-based LGB anti-violence project, asked over 200 young LGB's about their experiences of school and found some of the following facts.
47%
had experienced harassment or physical abuse at school | 
| 83%
had experienced verbal abuse at school |
You don't even have to be gay to experience homophobia at school - while many schools rightly challenge sexist and racist abuse, the use of the word 'gay' as a term of abuse, whether to describe someone's sexuality or an unfashionable pair of trainers, is seen as just a bit of 'harmless fun' or 'part of growing up', and many schools do little to challenge this. Young lesbian, gay and bisexual people, like ALL young people, have a right to be educated in a safe environment, free from harassment and abuse. While bullying takes place in all schools, this does not mean we should be fighting to end it. We do not have to accept this as our 'lot' in life. Why should our school days be hurtful and isolating? Bullying can take many forms:
Stares, looks, whispers, isolating someone, threats, hitting or pushing them, stealing their property, graffiti, name-calling, spreading rumours, sexual threats, other forms of violence. Many lesbian and gay young people don't feel able to report homophobic bullying because they feel they won't be taken seriously, or that they will be 'outed' as lesbian or gay, or that their parents or carers will find out, or that reporting it will make the bullying worse.
Click here for more general information and some techniques for beating the bullying.
If you, or someone you know, is being bullied at school because of their sexuality, there ARE things that can be done.
- The first and most important thing to do is tell a trusted adult you are being bullied. (a teacher, a youth worker, your GP, a relative etc.).
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- Being bullied at school? - If there is a member of staff you can trust and feel you can confide in, report the bullying to them. Your school will have an anti-bullying policy and teaching staff have a duty to challenge bullying. Your school DOES NOT have to tell your parents/carers that you are gay or lesbian.
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Contact us for support and to discuss what you can do in confidence. We can also talk to the school on your behalf if you want us to. Phone 020 7700 1323 and ask to speak to someone from the youthwork team.
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- If the bullying is a regular or present threat to your physical safety, you may also want us to talk to the school and/or police about possible action against the people bullying you. Nobody has the right to physically harm you in anyway.
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- If it is a teacher or other member of staff who is bullying you, you may feel scared about reporting them. Talk to GALOP in confidence or have a word with a member of staff at Pace Youthwork Service about what to do. We WILL help you to beat the bullies...
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- Finally, bullying doesn't just happen at school. Bullying can and regularly occurs in many places where people come together. Colleges/Universities, the workplace and other formal and social settings. Whatever your situation, bullying is not acceptable and needs to be challanged.
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Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth groups are a good place to meet friends, get support and information. Your youth worker will be someone you can talk to in confidence, and they and your peers can help you through any bad times, as will as be with you for the good times! Phone Lesbian and Gay Switchboard for details of groups nearest you, or why not come along to one or our groups?
PACE Youthwork Service
Call us: 020 8348 1785 (Info/Voicemail)
or 020 7700 1323 (Office Hours)
Email: girldiva@hotmail.co.uk
Lesbian and Gay Switchboard - 020 7837 7324
Childline - 0800 1111 |
