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.

Why do children carry out homophobic bullying?

They may not understand the full extent of homophobia. The attitudes of the society around them may be making this group an easier group to put down in public, giving them a feeling of power over others. They may be venting their feelings on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and feel that they can get away with it without being challenged.

Should I treat bullying 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.

A boy in the class has been called names such as "gay" and has hit back at the people involved. Should I still class it as homophobic bullying?

Yes. It is the language and behaviour that counts, not the sexuality of the person to whom it is directed. They are entitled to the same protection from this type of behaviour as anyone else and also need to know that it will be treated seriously, without having to take matters into their own hands. Teachers should refer to the school policy that is in place to stop this happening.

What if the schools' response hasn't changed the problem?

• Inform the Head teacher, explaining the situation.
• Consider if the school policy is capable of dealing with the issues or if it needs amending. If so, the school may need the support of outside agencies to do this: the website may be a good starting point.
• Consider the possibility that fellow professionals are inadvertently supporting a culture that tolerates homophobia.

A pupil who has been bullied thinks that it is because she may be a lesbian. Where else can she get help?

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 she would like to talk to someone in Cumbria try gaycumbria.com (see below for a link) they can give you advice on who is available locally to support you. 

How can professionals encourage pupils to report more on homophobic bullying?

Pupils and students may not understand that calling someone "gay" or "lesbian" is a form of homophobic bullying and that it is illegal. Through a whole school approach , using assemblies for example, professionals should let children know that using such language in a hurtful way will be reported as homophobic bullying. Wired for health website can offer more information on this (see below)

What if the bullying is 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 a persons 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 or see the link below.
• Look at the resource section from other organisations that can help.

How can friends and bystanders help a person who is being subjected to homophobic bullying?

You can encourage them to tell someone what is going on, either a teacher or a parent or responsible adult. They could keep a list of incidents as they happen and others who witness the bullying could also keep a note to prove what is going on.