What is homophobia?

Homophobia is the resentment or fear of someone who is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (often shortened to LGBT). It can be directed at people who are believed to be gay or lesbian because they do not conform to the male or female stereotypes held by some people. Sometimes, even the families or friends of gay or lesbian people are targets of homophobia.

Homophobic bullying can take the form of spreading rumours, writing messages, text messaging, being excluded from a group or even frightening looks as well as the more obvious violence and name calling. All are equally unacceptable.

Is bullying treated differently if it is classed as homophobic?

Yes. Every school must have a policy showing how they will deal with homophobic bullying. Homophobic language or behaviour is a crime, often called a hate crime, and the police will prosecute anyone who is believed to be guilty.

I'm not gay but some people in my class are calling me names and saying that I am. Is this still classed as homophobic bullying?

Yes. It is the language and behaviour that counts, not the sexuality of the person to whom it is directed. You are entitled to the same protection from this type of behaviour as anyone else. Report it to your teacher, or ask your parents to do it. The school will have a policy in place to stop this happening.

What if I'm not happy with the schools' response?

• Write a letter to the Head teacher explaining the situation
• who else in school you could talk to e.g. Connexions Personal Adviser, Education Welfare Officer
• Write a formal letter of complaint to school governors

I'm being bullied at school but if I tell my parents or teachers they'll know I'm gay. Who else can help me?

There are lots of web sites in our list of resources that could help and if you want to talk things through with someone there are national help lines that are completely confidential. If you would like to talk to someone in Cumbria try www.gaycumbria.com they can give you advice on who is available locally to support you.

What if it's happening outside school? Who can help?

• The police have an officer, called the Hate Crime Officer, who is fully trained to help in situations like this. They can give confidential advice on your legal rights as well as signposting on to other people that could help. Homophobia is a crime that the police take very seriously. Contact your local police station.
• Look at the resource section for other organisations that can help

My friend is being bullied for being gay. If I stick up for him they'll say I'm gay as well. How can I help him?

• Tell someone what is going on, either a teacher or a parent or responsible adult. Keep a list of incidents as they happen so that you can prove what is going on
• Let your friend know that you'll support him as much as you can
• Speak to other friends to try to get them to agree that the bullying is wrong, so that they won't encourage it