"Pupils do not necessarily have to be lesbian, gay or bisexual to experience such bullying. Just being different can be enough." (Don't Suffer in Silence, DfES)
What is Homophobia?
It is the bullying, persecution or harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Like other forms of bullying, homophobic bullying can be physical, verbal or indirect. Often it is the language that can distinguish it from other forms and the motivation of the bullies is specific.
" . . . homophobia can be defined as an irrational dislike, hatred or fear of individuals that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It results in negative consequences ranging from damage of self-esteem to premature death." (Tackling Homophobic Bullying, NASUWT)
When Does It Take Place?
Like any form of bullying it can occur at any time in a person's life however . . .
Most homophobic bullying takes place at a time when young people, particularly boys, are unsure about their own developing identity -subjected as they are to the confusing messages our society sends out about what it means to be 'a man' and against the stereotype of what it means to be gay. Homophobia presents itself in young people as the fear of and the reaction to an issue about which they can have little understanding and to a person perceived as 'different'.
Who Gets Homophobically Bullied?
Anyone can become a victim of homophobic bullying:
Teenagers who have misjudged their best friend by confiding in them only to find themselves 'outed' are the principal targets of this form of bullying.
Heterosexual girls and boys who others think of as lesbian or gay can come under similar attack. Most young people taunted about their sexual orientation are, in reality, too young to know what sexuality is.
Friends of lesbian and gay young people are frequently forced to face up to their own prejudices, fears and preconceptions whilst regularly finding themselves the targets of homophobia by being 'guilty by association.'
Brothers and sisters of homophobically bullied siblings are also often victimised.
Children of a lesbian or gay parent can often be vulnerable to homophobic abuse from peers should their family situation become known.
How Can Homophobic Bullying Affect Young People?
Young people can have their education disrupted. They may not participate in lessons appropriately due to feelings of fear or anger.
Pupils' self-esteem is often severely affected and, as a result, their academic potential is not fulfilled.
Young people whose fears and confusions are not adequately dealt with in their youth too often go on to dvelop problems in adulthood including depressive disorders or dependencies upon alcohol and drugs.
Schools who dismiss the problem are not helping any of their young people to develop a concern for the well-being of others and an understanding and healthy acceptance of people's difference.
Lesbian and gay young people can find themselves seriously stressed by having to wrestle with their own feelings about themselves and the problems other people have in coming to terms with their sexual orientation.
Too many victims of homophobic bullying are driven to self-harm and suicide.
Is Being Gay the Problem?
It's not being gay that makes some young people unhappy, its the negative reaction of other people that they fear, coming to terms with being 'different' and coping with it that's difficult. It is even harder if this has to be done in secrecy from family, friends and teachers.
Lesbian and gay people of all ages can find themselves emotionally exhausted by having to reconcile how they are feeling inside with the problems others have in coming to terms with their sexual orientation.
Below you can download a copy of the DCSF's Safe to Learn Homophobic bullying guidance.
Hate Incidents
A hate incident is any incident where you or someone else has been targeted because they or you are seen as being different. Anyone can be a victim of hate because of prejudice against their age, disability, gender identity, race, religion/belief or sexual orientation.
If you live in the County, incidents may be reported to Leicestershire County Council's Hate Monitoring Project by telephone:
Tel: 0116 3058263
If you live within Leicester City: you can receive advice from and report incidents to the Race Equality Centre on: 0116 2999800
Incidents can also be reported on-line: