Almost 50% of LGBTQ+ post-primary school students in Ireland experience homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying 

– Belong To launches 15^th annual Stand Up Awareness Week to promote inclusion of LGBTQ+ students – 

Today (05.10.2024), the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland launched the 15th annual anti-LGBTQ+ bullying campaign, Stand Up Awareness Week.  

The charity is anticipating the highest level of participation by post-primary schools, Youthreach centres and youth services yet, with 75% of schools across Ireland taking part in the campaign in 2023.  

This year’s campaign follows the publication of the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report by Trinity College Dublin in partnership with Belong To which revealed that in Irish schools today, 49% of LGBTQI+ students experience homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying.  

The report also revealed that among LGBTQI+ students in Irish secondary schools:  

• 79% witnessed anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in their school;  

• 26% reported that they had missed or skipped school to avoid bullying; and 

• 32% thought about leaving school due to negative treatment related to being LGBTQI+. 

Stand Up Awareness Week 2024 

Stand Up Awareness Week is a week-long campaign with activities in schools, Youthreach centres and youth services to take a stand against the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ young people and to celebrate all young people in their diversity. Stand Up Awareness Week is supported by the Department of Education and named as an action in Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying Implementation Plan 2023-2027. 

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Standing Up in our Communities’ reflecting the over-lapping communities young people are a part of, both within and beyond the school gates. Under this theme, educators and students are encouraged to consider activities that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and safety in all spaces, from engaging with local government to cultural and sport groups, to foster more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people in all walks of life.  

Commenting on the launch of the event today, Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD said: “Every child and young person deserves an experience in school that is safe, that is happy and that is inclusive. We know that bullying can rob a child or young person of their happiness and satisfaction, and it can cause significant damage to them.  Last June, I published the Bí Cineálta procedures for schools. These procedures will provide schools with valuable resources and guidance on supporting students and on preventing and addressing bullying behaviour, including bullying behaviour related to LGBTQI+ issues.” 

Also commenting was Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO of Belong To who said: “This year, after seeing of the distressing results of the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report, Stand Up Awareness Week is just as important as ever – to be able to stand alongside thousands of educators to say no to anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and to make inclusion a reality for all young people. This campaign has always been about fostering friendship, support and community – things that all young people should feel as they grow up and develop their sense of self. Sadly, we know that’s not yet the case for many,  which is why Stand Up Awareness Week remains so important today.  

“I would like to thank the thousands of dedicated teachers, principals and youth workers across Ireland who go above and beyond in ever greater numbers to make Stand Up Awareness Week a memorable and impactful week for their communities.” 

As part of Stand Up Awareness Week, every second-level school, youth service and Youthreach in Ireland has been provided with a free resource pack with information, suggested activities and advice to create an LGBTQ+ inclusive environment, which is also available online at belongto.org/standup.  

Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. More information about all the services and supports offered by the charity to LGBTQ+ young people and their families is available at www.belongto.org.  

[ENDS] 

Notes to editors:  

Contact:  

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

• Darragh McGirr, Belong To | 086 259 9369 or darragh@belongto.org  

• Sinead Keane, Belong To | 087 768 0389 or sinead@belongto.org  

Interview Opportunities  

There are a number of spokespeople available for interview, including:  

• Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To 

• Principals, teachers and students at participating schools  

Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Since 2003, Belong To has worked with LGBTQ+ youth to create a society where they are equal, safe, and thriving. Belong To offers advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland. Through training, they ensure LGBTQ+ young people are met by professionals, organisations, and services who are educated to meet and support their needs. The organisation also campaigns to ensure policy formation and practice is informed by the voice and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. www.belongto.org