BeLonG To Welcomes Programme for Government Pledge to Combat Homophobic Bullying

BeLonG To Welcomes Programme for Government Pledge to Combat Homophobic Bullying 

Monday, 7 March 2011 

The new Programme for Government includes a specific commitment to develop strategies to address homophobic bullying and to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender students for the first time. 

BeLonG To Youth Services strongly welcomes this commitment which is a critical step forward in improving the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) young people in Ireland. 

Speaking today Michael Barron, Chief Executive of BeLonG To Youth Services said: 

“Homophobic bullying is the most common form of bullying experienced by young people in Ireland today, and it can have particularly devasating on LGBT young people, and can contribute to suicide and self harm. We are really heartened to see that the government parties are showing from the outset that they value LGBT young people fully.” 

“We highlighted the urgent issue of homophobic bullying in submissions to the government parties (see attached) and we look forward to working with the new government to end this torture of young people once and for all.” 

“We have worked for many years to combat homophobic bullying and advances have been made, with many schools doing very good job in the area. This central commitment from government will help ensure that this good practice becomes the norm and that all schools are safe and supportive for all LGBT young people.” 

Read the Programme for Government 2011