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Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying are the official terms that describe bullying motivated by prejudice against lesbian, gay
If you are under 18, please make sure you have your parents’ permission before providing us with any personal details.
Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying are the official terms that describe bullying motivated by prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or non-binary (LGBT) people.
Whatever the official terms and 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:
Behaving 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.
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, you know it’s time to take action to beat the bullies.
You have a right to express your sexuality and your gender and you should not be bullied or discriminated against simply because you are lesbian, gay, bi, trans or non-binary.
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. Kidscape has some brilliant simple tips on ways you can practice assertiveness through what you say and your body language. ChildLine also have some great videos which give advice on being assertive and how to build your confidence after online bullying.
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.
If you feel like bullying is getting out of control, here are some simple steps you can take:
If you are being bullied and don’t know what to do about it, you can contact ChildLine who are there to help you and provide advice. Call to speak to one of ChildLine’s counsellors for free on 0800 1111 or use online chat.
Content reviewed by Kirstie McEwan – Lead tutor in Gender Studies, Cambridge Institute of Clinical Sexology, accredited therapist and trustee of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
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