Half of students in Ireland say a gay, lesbian or bisexual classmate would be bullied if they came out at school new research shows 

– Research released as the Annual Stand Up Awareness campaign kicks off in schools across Ireland – 

Today, new research published by Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland reveals that almost half of students at post-primary school (48%) believe that a classmate would be bullied in school if they came out as lesbian, gay or bisexual.  

Belong To published the findings today to mark the start of Stand Up Awareness Week, the charity’s annual anti-LGBTQ+ bullying awareness campaign taking place this week in schools, Youthreach centres and youth services across Ireland.  

The research also revealed that an even higher proportion of 52% of students believe a classmate would be bullied if they came out as trans. However, there was positive change revealed in the polling which is carried out annually, with the proportion of students who believe their school provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students rising from 72% in 2023, to 75% in 2024 and 76% in 2025.  

The research was carried out by Empathy Research in December 2025 a month after the 2025 Stand Up Awareness campaign.  

Stand Up Awareness Week 2026 

The campaign is now in its 17^th year and aims to end anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and foster inclusivity for all young people in education and youth settings. Last year, 68% of schools in Ireland took part in the week.  

The charity launched this year’s Stand Up Awareness Week at Kingswood Community College, Dublin 24 with staff and students of the school taking part, as well as comedian and podcaster Emma Doran (she/her), the first ever parent ambassador for the campaign.   

The launch highlighted this year’s theme of ‘You Belong Here’ – a simple message to all young people that they belong in their education and youth settings. All this week, schools across the country will be running activities and events such as installing ‘rainbow walkways’ on the grounds, hosting a Rainbow jumper day, running art competitions and delivering LGBTQ+ inclusive lessons across various subjects. 

Speaking at the launch today, CEO of Belong To Kieran O’Donovan (he/him) said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is about sending a simple but powerful message to LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland: you belong here. It is incredibly concerning that half of students in Ireland believe a gay, lesbian or bisexual classmate would be bullied if they came out at school, and more than half if a student came out as trans. This is why Stand Up Awareness Week is so important. No young person should have to hide who they are out of fear of being excluded, targeted or made to feel unsafe.  

“Through the actions of schools, Youthreach centres and youth services nationwide, Stand Up Awareness Week helps create environments where LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, supported and valued. That sense of belonging can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and future, and it’s why this week remains as important as ever.” 

Also commenting at the launch today, parent ambassador for the campaign, comedian and podcaster Emma Doran, said: “As a parent, I know teenagers already have enough to be dealing with between exams, friendship drama and being mortified by absolutely everything their parents do. Worrying about being bullied for who they are shouldn’t be added to that list.  

“I am proud to stand this week with all LGBTQ+ young people and ask that parents support their kids to recognise the harm of LGBTQ+ bullying, and the long term impact this can have. Nobody should have to spend their school years hiding part of themselves to fit in or stay safe. When young people feel accepted for who they are, they’re free to focus on learning, making friends and building confidence instead of fearing other students while walking the halls at school. Every young person deserves to be able to walk into school knowing they belong there, exactly as they are.” 

Finally, Emma O’Beirne (she/her), Deputy Principal of Kingswood Community College, said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is an important opportunity for our whole school community to reinforce the values we promote in our school every day: respect, inclusion and belonging. We want every student to know they can be themselves and feel supported every day. By taking part, we’re sending a clear message to all young people that they belong here and that there is no place for bullying of any kind in our school.” 

Stand Up Awareness Week is supported and part-funded by the Department of Education & Youth, HSBC Ireland and ESB Energy for Generations Fund.