Discrimination, bullying of LGB students

HUNDREDS of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) students are afraid to come out in college for fear of discrimination and bullying from their peers, LGB societies say.

LGB societies in universities and institutes of technology have

received complaints of intimidation and bullying, many from smaller and rural colleges.

Union of Students in Ireland LGB rights officer Iain Gill said much of the problem was to do with social conditioning.

“More needs to be done in schools to do away with stigmas about homosexuality and to create greater tolerance among young people,” Mr Gill said.

Students at colleges with long-established LGB societies also faced discrimination, he said.

“As well as people simply being afraid to be open about their sexuality, we have also dealt with cases of society officers being spat at, newsletters being torn up and posters ripped from notice boards.”

Based on US research showing 10% of people may be lesbian, gay or bisexual, about 25,000 third-level students could be

subject to hate crimes or abuse.

A USI awareness campaign in more than 40 third-level campuses in the republic and Northern Ireland is urging students and staff to promote tolerance that will eradicate discrimination or harassment.

“The new equality laws give very good protection in relation to things like employment and services. But we need to do more work on the ground changing people’s attitudes,” said Mr Gill.

The subtle approach features posters highlighting the fact that each student probably has an LGB friend, classmate or lecturer, even though the person might not be open about it.