Stewart
October 18th, 2009, 06:49 PM
If you are an LGBT teen and out of the closet, you may at one time experience bullying just because of your sexuality. First, let's look at the facts:
What is Homophobic Bullying?
Homophobic bullying can involve physical or mental violence by a group or an individual. It is often aimed at someone who has poor defenses and who, as a result, may be significantly upset. Victims may be male or female. What distinguishes it from other forms of bullying is the language that is used. Words like “queer” and “poof” and “lezzie” have been used abusively for many years. They have now been joined by words (such as “gay” and “lesbian”) which were formerly descriptive but which now may be used as general insults. In some youth cultures, “gay” is now used as a derogatory adjective to describe objects and people that may have no connection whatsoever with homosexuality.
Both boys and girls may be subjected to homophobic abuse.
How do I stop it?
The following tips might be particularly helpful for verbal bullying:
When possible, ignore them (including mobile phone or email bullying)
Ignoring the bully may be helpful, particularly for one-off cases. Bullies are looking for a reaction from you and often lose interest if they aren't given the satisfaction of getting one.
You may be safer if you stay in groups. If you are alone, try to identify people who may offer you safety.
Be confident
Some suggestions are:
* telling them to leave you alone may get a bully off your back
* turning around and being nice to them may throw them right off
* using humour may also throw the bully off track
* use positive self-talk - saying to yourself something like 'I know I am better than that, I'm not like that, I don't have to pick on other people to know that I am good'
* remember that your friends accept you for who you are.
Most Importantly: TELL SOMEONE!
They can help you!
I myself have dealt with this and I told someone and I'm happier! :P
Sources: http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/bullying-what-to-do-if-you-are-being-bullied
http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2009/04/17/homphobia_and_teen_suicide/
What is Homophobic Bullying?
Homophobic bullying can involve physical or mental violence by a group or an individual. It is often aimed at someone who has poor defenses and who, as a result, may be significantly upset. Victims may be male or female. What distinguishes it from other forms of bullying is the language that is used. Words like “queer” and “poof” and “lezzie” have been used abusively for many years. They have now been joined by words (such as “gay” and “lesbian”) which were formerly descriptive but which now may be used as general insults. In some youth cultures, “gay” is now used as a derogatory adjective to describe objects and people that may have no connection whatsoever with homosexuality.
Both boys and girls may be subjected to homophobic abuse.
How do I stop it?
The following tips might be particularly helpful for verbal bullying:
When possible, ignore them (including mobile phone or email bullying)
Ignoring the bully may be helpful, particularly for one-off cases. Bullies are looking for a reaction from you and often lose interest if they aren't given the satisfaction of getting one.
You may be safer if you stay in groups. If you are alone, try to identify people who may offer you safety.
Be confident
Some suggestions are:
* telling them to leave you alone may get a bully off your back
* turning around and being nice to them may throw them right off
* using humour may also throw the bully off track
* use positive self-talk - saying to yourself something like 'I know I am better than that, I'm not like that, I don't have to pick on other people to know that I am good'
* remember that your friends accept you for who you are.
Most Importantly: TELL SOMEONE!
They can help you!
I myself have dealt with this and I told someone and I'm happier! :P
Sources: http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/bullying-what-to-do-if-you-are-being-bullied
http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2009/04/17/homphobia_and_teen_suicide/