EDINBURGH, September 29, 2007  –  Growing up in the Scottish Borders is not always a positive experience for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people, a recent survey shows.

A recent consultation by LGBT Youth Scotland, involving more than 500 young people, found 58% of participants categorised that school would be ‘horrible’ or ‘bad’ for LGBT young people, with only 38% saying they would do something if they saw an LGBT young person being bullied.

These statistics support the findings of LGBT Youth Scotland’s Stakeholder Voice 2007 survey, which found that 70% of LGBT young people in Scotland feel that schools are not safe environments for LGBT young people.

A recent report from Stonewall also highlighted that almost two thirds of lesbian and gay pupils have experienced homophobic bullying in Britain’s secondary schools, however those who were taught positively about lesbian and gay issues were more likely to be happy and feel respected at school.

Homophobia results in LGBT young people feeling excluded from schools and youth settings, impairing their access to education and opportunities and impacting negatively on their mental health and well-being.

Perhaps surprisingly, 13% of young people said they wanted to find out about LGBT issues at school.  This was top of the list ahead of sources like friends, family and even the internet.

 The consultation is part of the work we do in partnership with the local authority, health board, police and voluntary sector in the Borders to assist positive change,” Christine Hamilton, Borders Development Officer for LGBT Youth Scotland, commented.

“The findings did highlight that there is homophobia in the Borders, but we also received a lot of supportive responses from young people, and we work with lots of young people and adults who champion the inclusion of LGBT people.

“These champions and the research findings provide a strong base for our future work in the Borders with young people, families and professionals,” she pointed out.
 

■ The survey findings are HERE.  For the 'professional' report click HERE

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Posted: 30 September 2007 at 00:00 (UK time)