Answer
I am really sorry to hear this. ,This can be a common challenge for LGBTQ+ young people. According to the 2022 School Climate Survey 76% of LGBTQ+ young people felt unsafe at post-primary school in Ireland.
We would recommend creating a safe space for your young person at home so that they can share with you what is happening. Let them know that it is ok to feel hurt, upset or angry and that you are there to support them.
Focus on their strengths and talents and encourage them to access spaces where they will be accepted. There are LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland that would be a good place to start. Here they can meet other LGBTQ+ young people, have some fun, and get support if they need it. Click here to find the LGBTQ+ youth group closest to you: https://www.belongto.org/find-a-youth-group/
After providing immediate support to your child, we recommend talking to the school. Every school has an anti-bullying policy in place, and they can help address the issue. Every anti-bullying policy must include homophobic and transphobic bullying within the policy as directed by the Department of Education. Ensure that the school take the situation seriously and follow up on any incidents. You could talk to the school about ‘Stand Up Awareness Week’ or the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. These are initiatives for schools to promote acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and prevent anti-LGBTQ+ bullying.
The HSE have some guidelines for a young person being bullied available here.
If your young person’s mental health is being affected, a counsellor or therapist may be able to support your child to process their feelings and build resilience. Pieta and Belong To have a free crisis counselling service for LGBTQ+ young people who are self-harming or at risk of suicide.
If your young person is not self-harming, Jigsaw have services all over Ireland and can provide therapeutic sessions for your young person. You do not need a GP referral for this, just get in touch and they will take it from there.
I hope this is helpful to you, please get in touch with belong to Family Support Service if we can provide any more support.
Thank you,
Jen