Anti-Bullying Activists from the LGBTQ Community

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There is widespread acceptance of the fact that LGBTQ individuals are at an increased risk of being bullied.

Physical and verbal bullying is especially evident for LGBTQ students in schools. Many youth in the LGBTQ community report not going to school based on a fear of being bullied. This behaviour puts these students at risk for anxiety and depression, suicide, increased drug and alcohol use, and lower economic and social status because they drop out of school. A survey by Stomp Out Bullying reported that 9 out of 10 LGBTQ youth report being bullied at school.

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. This behaviour is also occurring more frequently with the same results.

Many organizations and programs have been created to address bullying toward the LGBTQ community. The Trevor Project and GLSEN in the United States are perhaps the most prominent of the organizations, and Kids Helplines are an example of a specific program that is highly successful.

Students and school officials have responded by creating schools' Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) groups. Faculty advisors have been appointed as a resource for the students. Strict anti-bullying policies have been created and enforced, and resources have been put in place to support LGBTQ youth. There is a marked reduction in bullying reported by students when such programs have been put in place.

Adult bullying and harassment is a growing occurrence. Personal insults, aggressive behaviour, threats, public shaming, and unwanted personal contact can be evidence of this. There are similar mental and physical outcomes for victims as are experienced by bullied youth.

We have identified several LGBTQ individuals advocating against bullying toward the community.

Australia

Canada

France

  • Gabriel Attal, founder of the Faire Face school bullying action group

Great Britain

Scotland

United States

See Also

Further Reading/Research


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