MY BIG GAY PROM

PROGRAMME 1

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Homophobic bullying

Homophobia can have a severe impact on mental and emotional heath. According to the Terence Higgins Trust, 'it can cause feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness, depression and anxiety, isolation and loneliness.'

Statistics

• 34% of gay men and 24% of lesbians have experienced violence (1).
• 31% of lesbians and 32% of gay men have experienced harassment (1).
• 75% of lesbians and 72% of gay men have been verbally abused (1).

Young people

• 82% of teachers are aware of homophobic bullying in school (2).
• One in five young gay people have inflicted serious self-harm and/or attempted suicide as a result of homophobic abuse (1).
• Two fifths of violent attacks on gay people under 18 years old took place at school (3).
• Amongst gay people under 18 years old, 48% have been the subject of a violent attack, 38% have been blackmailed or threatened, and 90% have been called names (3).

(1) Queerbashing – A National Survey of Hate Crimes Against Lesbians and Gay Men, Stonewall (London, 1996).
(2) Playing It Safe by Douglas N et al, Institute of Education, University of London (1997).

LGB / LGBT

These acronyms are used as collective terms to refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (and Transgender) people.