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The Mix's guide on identifying anti-LGBTQ+ bullying

GemmaGemma Community Manager Posts: 1,138 Wise Owl
edited November 2023 in Gender & Sexuality
It's Anti-Bullying Week - a time to come together and have discussions about what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying.

The Mix spoke to the experts at The Proud Trust about how to get support when we are being bullied for our sexual or gender identity.

Anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, such as Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, stems from a particular dislike or prejudice towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This can occur in many forms and may include name calling, refusal to use someone’s chosen name or making comments relating to harmful stereotypes.

The Mix have created a helpful guide below on how to identify this type of bullying, how to get support and how to find a safe space.

What would you say to someone who is currently experiencing bullying? 💛

Let us know in the comments below 👇


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Am I being bullied for being LGBTQ+?

There are specific types of bullying relating to someone's sexual or gender identity, such as Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.


This can occur in many forms and may include name calling, refusal to use someone's chosen name or making comments relating to harmful stereotypes.

Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia are specific types of bullying which stem from a particular dislike or prejudice towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

This type of bullying can include things like:
  • 'Joking' that something which is perceived to be negative in some way is 'gay' (e.g., 'that's so gay')
  • Not treating Trans and Non-Binary people as valid
  • Implying that bisexuality is a 'phase' between being gay or straight
One of the most effective ways to combat bullying is to create safe spaces where someone can be themselves.

This could be somewhere in our school or at our local youth groups. Having a space where we can be proud and be our authentic self around people who may have similar experiences can be a great form of support.

For LGBTQ+ people, having a community who have similar lived experiences to you can be a powerful form of support.

Having a space filled with other LGBTQ+ people can be a good place to talk about how we're feeling and help us talk to an adult who can help too. Speaking to people who may have been through something similar can help us feel less alone.

Whilst it may feel daunting to speak to someone, true friends embrace use for who we are, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity.

They provide a safe space where we can be our authentic self without fear of judgement.

How can we help combat this type of bullying?

Speak Up: If we witness or experience bullying or LGBTQ+ phobia, talk to a trusted adult about it, or report abusive social posts.

Promote Inclusivity: Encourage and model inclusivity within our friendship group or classroom, such as using pronouns.

Supportive Allyship: Be an ally. Show our support and if it feels safe to do so, stand up for our friends and peers.

Where else can we get support?

If we're looking for further support or want someone to chat to, we can come and speak to one of the LGBTQ+ youth workers on Proud Connections Live Chat via theproudtrust.org/proud-connections

We can also chat with the team at The Mix who are there to offer free, non-judgemental and confidential support on bullying and any other issues. Find support via themix.org.uk

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You can also view the post over on our Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/themixuk
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