Bullying
Bullying in schools is a major problem. Stonewall found that 65% of young lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced bullying in school.Our own research found that 92% of the fifty members interviewed had experienced bullying in schools. This included bullying because the victim was disabled, minority ethnic, or simply because they 'looked different.' However, 76% of members had experienced homophobic bullying: bullying based on the belief that the victim is known or suspected to be gay. All schools in Calderdale are affected.
Homophobic bullying ranges from verbal abuse, threats/intimidation, harassment, physical, damage to property, blackmail, theft, arson to sexual assault and ultimately, rape. We don't have to put up with this. Have a look at this short video, We Belong, made by a young gay man in America who lives in a small town.
GALYIC have also been working with Calderdale and Kirklees Careers who have personal advisers in each school. If you are confused about your sexual orientation or are experiencing homophobic bullying you can go to the personal adviser for support. All of the personal advisers have been through the GALYIC homophobia awareness training course and will respond in a positive way. In fact, it was the school personal advisers who asked members of GALYIC to devise the 'concertina' flyer for use in schools.
Sometimes when you are experiencing homophobic bullying, it makes you more confused about your sexual orientation. It can help to talk to a counsellor. If you would like to see a counsellor, the personal adviser will be able to refer you to the Sexual Health Counsellor. GALYIC have worked closely with the Sexual Health Counsellor for many years.
2010 is an important year for LGBT young people: