Homophobic, Biphobic or Transphobic bullying

Homophobic bullying:  this is when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against lesbian or gay people, or those who are perceived to be lesbian or gay. This abuse can include things like spreading rumours that someone is gay or lesbian, or suggesting that something or someone is inferior and so they are ‘gay’, e.g. ‘you’re such a gay boy!’ or ‘those trainers are so gay!’  Sometimes people are homophobically bullied because they have a gay or lesbian friend or family member.  

Biphobic bullying: this is bullying aimed at bisexual people - or people perceived to be bisexual (people who are attracted to more than one gender).  Bisexual young people are often bullied by being subject to stereotyping (e.g. that they are sexually promiscuous and greedy) or it is assumed that their bisexuality is just a phase before they realise their 'real' sexual orientation.  This can lead to bisexual people being largely invisible or not taken seriously.  Bisexual people can also face problems in being accepted by others (including lesbian, gay and heterosexual people), and in accessing appropriate support.  Sometimes people are bullied because they have a friend or family member who is bisexual.

Transphobic bullying is discriminatory behaviour towards someone because they are, or are perceived to be 'transgender' (a person who believes their true gender is different to that given to them at birth).  Young transgender people are often bullied by people who think ‘boys should act like boys’ and ‘girls should act like girls’. Sometimes people are bullied because they have a transgenderbfriend or family member.

Any homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying incidents should be reported to the local authority by your school, youth club or other setting.  See Serious Equality Incident Report Form and guidance. 

**** OFSTED has produced guidance for inspectors on how they can explore if a school is doing enough to prevent homophobia - see OFSTED Guidance on preventing homophobic bullying Jan 2014

Support available:

We  have  an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender) Young People’s project, SPACE, run by Off The Record for young people aged 13-21.  The group meets every week, and can also provide 1-1 support for individuals, visits to schools and advice and training for teachers and other professionals.  For further information visit the SPACE web page email space@offtherecord-banes.co.uk telephone the SPACE mobile 07872992879, or phone 01225 312 481 

We have developed a Good practice checklist on working with trans young people in association with Gendered Intelligence.  See also Brighton and Hove's revised Transgender Inclusion Toolkit for schools and Cornwall Council's guidance for schools on supporting trans pupils

Here is a useful list of words and phrases that are transphobic and the reasons why.   

 

 

Racist bullying

Any racist bullying incidents should be reported to the local authority by your school, youth club or other setting.  See Serious Equality Incident Report Form and guidance. 

Stand Against Racism and Inequality is an organisation that can offer support to anyone affected by racist bullying or racial harassment. 

SARI can provide casework support for pupils, parents and staff suffering racial harassment.  SARI undertake assemblies, staff training, classroom sessions, workshops and one-to-one sessions with pupils to raise awareness of racism and to help young people challenge racism.   SARI also facilitate one-to-one or group work with perpetrators and approach education agencies to examine their response to racist incidents.

 

Disability related bullying

Any bullying incidents relating to disability should be reported to the local authority by your school, youth club or other setting.  See Serious Equality Incident Report Form and guidance 

For more information and support on disability related bullying contact kath_fallon@bathnes.gov.uk (Information and Advice Officer for SEND) Tel: 01225 395358 or Mobile: 07530 263070

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