Homophobic bullying continues to be widespread in Britain’s
schools. More than half (55 per cent) of lesbian, gay and
bisexual pupils have experienced direct bullying The use of
homophobic language is endemic. Almost all (99 per cent) gay
young people hear the phrases ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’
in school and ninety six per cent of gay pupils hear homophobic
language such as ‘poof’ or ‘lezza’. Three in five gay pupils who
experience homophobic bullying say that teachers who witness the
bullying never intervene. Only half of gay pupils report that
their schools say homophobic bullying is wrong, even fewer do in
faith schools (37 per cent) Homophobic bullying has a profoundly
damaging impact on young people’s school experience. One in
three (32 per cent) gay pupils experiencing bullying change
their future educational plans because of it and three in five
say it impacts directly on their school work. Gay people who are
bullied are at a higher risk of suicide, self-harm and
depression. Two in five (41 per