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Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying are the official terms that describe bullying motivated by prejudice against LGBT+ people.
Whatever form it takes, bullying is always wrong and is never your fault.
Bullying of any kind can include anything from name-calling and spreading rumours to physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
The simple rule is, that if it’s making you feel upset or threatened, it’s probably bullying. The ways someone can bully another person are many and varied but here are some common signs that you’re being bullied:
Your rightsBehaving in an insulting or intimidating way towards someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable and you have the right to report it to the police.If you experience abuse or violence, there are lots of places you can get support. More about LGBT+ abuse and violence
As hard as it might sound, you need to work hard to tell yourself this is not your fault. Bullies often look for a target and don’t care who they are attacking. And they often use a ‘difference’ in you to make you believe the bullying is your fault.
Bullies are often people who feel bad about themselves and they attack others as a way of hiding or distracting themselves from their own problems. Chances are they themselves have been made to feel rejected, different or inadequate and may be under stress or pressure.
These are never excuses for bullying another person but if you are the victim of bullying and you are taking what the bullies say to heart, it can be a useful reminder that it probably doesn’t really have anything to do with you or your gender or sexuality.
Bullying is very upsetting and can really affect your mental and physical health. Bullying can leave you feeling worried or anxious, depressed, lonely, low in self-esteem and even scared. This can result in missing school or college or avoiding the place or places where the bully exists.
Bullying can also often result in LGBT+ people hiding or denying their sexuality, ridiculing themselves to gain acceptance amongst peers, feelings of dislike of other LGBT+ people or feelings of shame, anger or bitterness. This is referred to as internalised homophobia – in other words, you can end up attacking yourself.
If you’re having any of the feelings described above, there are lots of places you can get support.
You have a right to express your sexuality and your gender and you should not be bullied or discriminated against simply because you of your gender or sexuality.
Some simple ways you can stop bullying before it gets out of hand include dismissing them, being assertive or challenging them on their remarks. If they see you are not an easy target or if you cause them to reconsider their views, they may back away. Here are some places you can go to learn more:
However, if you don’t feel able to do this, don’t worry, that is perfectly normal and there is no shame in not fighting back. It may be that it isn’t possible or safe for you tackle the problem on your own.
Whether it’s staying in a group or walking or traveling a different way home, find ways to avoid the bullies.
If it’s happening online:
Keep a note of what is said and when. If the bullying is taking place online make sure you take screenshots or keep the messages so you can show them to an adult.
If you are being bullied and don’t know what to do about it, you can contact ChildLine via their online chat or call to speak to one of their counsellors for free on 0800 1111.
If bullying is affecting your mental health there are lots of organisations that can support you
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