40,000 to campaign against homophobic bullying

UP to 40,000 teenagers are expected to take part in a nationwide campaign next week aimed at stamping out homophobic bullying at school and persuading the Government to address the problem with urgency.

Yesterday, BeLonG To Youth Services launched its annual campaign, Stand Up! which runs from April 4-15. The campaign, which was launched by Dominic Hannigan TD, aims to raise awareness of homophobic bullying in Ireland today.

As part of the campaign, more than 1,600 secondary schools and youth organisations throughout Ireland have been issued Stand Up! packs containing information on the subject for teachers and youth workers.

The campaign is supported by several Irish celebrities, including the cast of RTÉ series RAW and Pure Mule, RTÉ presenter Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, comedian Katherine Lynch and model Vogue Williams.

Commenting on the campaign, Michael Barron, chief executive of BeLonG To, said: “On foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government to combat homophobic bullying, we call on the Government to work with us to develop a national action plan to address this huge problem in a concerted way.

“Over the next two weeks young people all over the country will stand up against homophobic bullying and will show their support for their gay friends. This is a fantastic and powerful action from young people. When this is combined with real action at a government level we should see major inroads being made in ending this harassment. In 2011 we should not allow any young person to be harassed for who they are.”

Research supported by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention has found that almost three in five (58%) LGBT young people are bullied at school, with one in five skipping school due to fear of harassment.

The study also found that half of LGBT people under the age of 25 have seriously thought of ending their lives, 20% have attempted suicide and 27% self-harmed at least once.

Dominic Hannigan said: “Over the years, BeLonG To has played a leading role in opening our eyes to homophobic bullying. I feel especially proud to be part of this event because our Programme for Government includes homophobic bullying as a priority issue in schools.”

- www.belongto.org