This Thursday provides an opportunity for individuals and groups around the world to highlight the impact of homophobia on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people – and make commitments to challenge it.
Stonewall’s 2007 research “The School Report” demonstrated that almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils in secondary schools across Britain had experienced homophobic bullying.
In Bath and North East Somerset, a group of young people have helped to create a resource pack for teachers, and this has been sent to local secondary schools. The resources can be used to plan lessons and assemblies around the subject of homophobia, the impact it has, and what can be done by schools and young people to stop it.
As a Stonewall Education Champion, Bath & North East Somerset Council is receiving a package of comprehensive support and guidance on its work with schools from leading LGB charity Stonewall.
Sarah Rose from Stonewall commented, “Stonewall’s research shows homophobic bullying is endemic in Britain’s schools. Since B&NES Council became a Stonewall Education Champion earlier this year, we have been working closely with them to make sure local schools have access to the latest resources to tackle it. We wholeheartedly support the work that the Council is doing to raise awareness of IDAHO in its schools.”
Cllr Nathan Hartley, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said, “Children and young people should be able to enjoy their childhood free from any type of bullying – including homophobic bullying. I hope that many of our schools will take the opportunity on or around May 17th to plan workshops and assemblies using the resources that our young people have helped to create.”
Anyone who has experienced any form of homophobic abuse, prejudice or hate crime is encouraged to report it to the Police – telephone 101 (emergency) or 0845 456 7000. Support and advice is also available for young people and adults from EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia), telephone 0808 1000 143 (Mon – Friday 9.30-4.30).
