Poll of 1,200 LGBTQ+ students in Irish schools finds most feel unsafe despite anti-bullying policies
One in three LGBT+ students say they skipped school to avoid negative treatment and said bathrooms, PE, sports facilities, locker rooms and lunchrooms are spaces where they are most likely to avoid due to feeling unsafe.
Moninne Griffith, chief executive of BelongTo, said the research highlights the “urgent need” for educators, parents, schools, policymakers, and politicians to listen to students and learn from them. “I’d realised I was gay in about sixth class but had been thinking of it since around 10. I came out to my family and close friends ... the environment I had at primary was very supportive,” says Sean, who opted not to use his real name to protect his identity. At second level, however, there were homophobic remarks in classes, on the corridors or in changing rooms – despite the school’s ethos as a pluralist setting where diversity is embraced.
When he was called “faggot” on the street while walking his dog, Sean took matters into his own hands: he “named and shamed” the person on social media and warned that others would face the same consequences. “I think that caused a bit of fear. It died down then,” he says.
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