Homophobic Bullying & Discrimination Workshop
Homophobic bullying and discrimination is present in schools across the UK and can have devastating effects on those victimised by the bullies. Pupils subjected to homophobic bullying, even those who are not gay, suffer damage to their self-esteem and mental health and may even self-harm or attempt suicide.
The trauma can cause school work to deteriorate along with attendance, with some children moving schools to escape. Bullying and discrimination are two sides of the same coin, and education is the only way in which the weed can be pulled up at the root.
2020 Dreams Homophobic Bullying and Discrimination workshops are an effective weapon in the arsenal of any school or young person’s institution looking for a fresh approach to tackling this scourge.
Using proven teaching techniques that really engage with students of all ages, 2020 Dreams can start to dismantle the prejudices that lie at the heart of homophobic behaviour and replace them with tolerance and, in some cases, even mutual respect.
Those who are suffering at the hands of bullies will pick up new skills and strategies to empower themselves as well as learning where to go if things get out of hand.
Key Statistics*
- 96% of gay pupils hear homophobic remarks used in school.
- 54% of young LGB people feel there are no adults at school with whom they can speak about their sexuality.
- 6% of LGB pupils have been subjected to death threats.
*From Stonewall: London, 2019.
Types of Homophobic Bullying
In common with all types of bullying, there are many forms which homophobic bullying can take:
Physical bullying includes punching, kicking and any other violent attack, including aggressively or persistently entering personal space; verbal bullying might involve name-calling, inappropriate jokes and the spreading of rumours while social bullying covers exclusion or the ‘outing’ of LGBTQ people to those who are unaware of their sexuality.
Cyberbullying is now a common manifestation of all types of bullying with mobile phones, social networks and the internet being used as part of hate campaigns against the bullies’ targets.
At the heart of all bullying is the abuse of power, while discrimination is fundamentally rooted in the fear of difference. Both of these concepts are fully explored in 2020 Dreams workshops through interactive role-plays and open discussion groups.
Homophobic Discrimination and the National Curriculum
Although homophobic discrimination is not discussed specifically in the National Curriculum, the topic can be discussed as part of a Citizenship lesson (mandatory in Key Stages Three and Four).
According to the Curriculum, Citizenship lessons should, “prepare pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens,” which includes respecting other people’s freedoms and human rights. Workshops for older children could also incorporate the role of law in protecting people from homophobic persecution.
The forum discussions in our workshops can help pupils to practise and demonstrate the “skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate viewpoints, present reasoned arguments and take informed action.”
Why you Should Choose 2020 Dreams?
Homophobic discrimination and bullying are among the most sensitive topics that a school can address and booking an appropriate workshop should reflect that. 2020 Dreams employ mature facilitators with the skill and sensitivity to ensure no young person will be exposed to harm or embarrassment.
Our risk-assessed courses are meticulously prepared to be appropriate to the age group and background of the students involved, and while students are encouraged to speak openly, the bigger emphasis is on keeping them comfortable and protected.
2020 Dreams Homophobic Bullying and Discrimination workshops can be delivered anywhere in the UK and can be customised to enhance existing programmes or projects.
