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Homophobic Bullying - The facts. School days are suppoed to be 'the best days of your life', and for some of us they can be. But for many lesbians, gay and bisexual pupils, schools can be unhappy, even dangerous, places. GALOP, a London-based LGB anti-violence project, asked over 200 young LGBs about their experiences of school and found some of the following facts.
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. But something CAN be done. But you need to let someone know about the problem, and keep letting someone know until action is taken. Click here for more general information and techniques to beat the bullying.  If you, or someone you know, is being bullied at school because of their sexuality, there ARE things that can be done:
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth groups and projects are an excellent place to meet friends, get support and information - and a 'healthy' alternative to the 'Gay Scene'. The youth workers will be someone you can talk to in confidence, and they and your peers can help you through any bad times, as well as be with you for the good times! Come along to one of our youth groups and have a chat with a member of staff - IN CONFIDENCE - and perhaps make some new friends who could help support you. Call us: PACE Youthwork Service: 020 8348 1785 or Contact us for support and to discuss what you can do in confidence Lesbian and Gay Switchboard - 020 7837 7324 Childline - 0800 1111 See our Support Links section for details of services that may help you or someone you know. |
