The Minister for State Sile De Valera launched a campagin against homophobic bullying today. Read more about it at BelongTo’s Website. Well done to them and the Equality Authority for a really important campaign and kudos to the Minister also for launching it. Her speech is available here.

In the case of homophobic bullying, young people who are already part of a minority in society, and who are often experiencing a complex array of problems in their young lives, are readily targeted either individually or collectively as they are seen as “soft” targets. Such young people may already be experiencing isolation, fear, marginalisation and lack of acceptance from their peers and others as a result of their sexuality. There may be uncertainty regarding where to go and how to report the situation in which they find themselves. In short, they are in a weakened position to defend themselves….
It is important, therefore, that the message is conveyed to all young people through confidence building, and positive interventions that all citizens are equal and that positive social change is helped by an intolerance to unwanted homophobic remarks, jokes, name calling or general harassment – all preludes to bullying. Young people should learn how to recognise bullying behaviour and know that they should never tolerate it.

The posters and accompanying information will be distributed to schools throughout the country and hopefully with the support of Teachers Unions, the Department of Education, the Gardai and also the Students organisations the campaign will be very successful.