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No to Homophobia Cruel School Ain’t Cool School can be a pretty harsh place sometimes, especially if you don’t fit in. There always seems to be some students who are just waiting to pick on someone else. They call that bullying. Gay and lesbian students can have a really hard time of it, especially at high school. If they are out about their sexuality they often get harassed – anything from dirty looks, snide remarks and insults to physical violence. If they keep quiet about their sexuality it can feel like they are cheating themselves. Why should they have to pretend to be something they’re not. When I was at high school I kept quiet about being gay and I think that was harder. I jumped every time someone said “Poofta” or “Faggot” because I thought they might be talking about me and I would get bashed or dropped by my friends. That was a few years ago and things are slightly better these days. There are gay and lesbian people on TV, on shows like Big Brother and Queer as Folk. It’s not such a taboo subject but it can still be really hard for gay and lesbian students to come out to their friends. Everyone needs friends and no-one wants to be rejected or treated like dirt. Another thing has changed since I was at school. The Dept of Education has very strict rules against bullying now. Students can get expelled and schools can also be penalised if they don’t protect their students from bullies. There are all sorts of different types of people around us. Some have disabilities. Some come from other countries or cultures. Some are gay or lesbian. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect in our society and it’s no different at school. If you are a student who is gay or lesbian or think you might be don’t put up with harassment or bullying. Remember, your school has a legal obligation to prevent this happening to you. If you are getting a hard time and you don’t know what to do, talk to the Gay & Lesbian Telephone Counselling Service (1800 184 527 4pm to midnight – 7days). You don’t have to deal with stuff all by yourself. If you have a friend who tells you they are gay or lesbian, give them some support. They might really need you to tell them that you understand and care about them. If you are someone who bullies or harasses gay and lesbian students, pull your head in. You could get into serious trouble. Besides that sort of behaviour is just plain stupid. Robert Reynolds Diverse Sexualities Access Worker
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