Addressing LGBTQ+ Bullying – Strategies For Support And Prevention
Updated: Mar 8, 2025
Written by: Dr. Shannon Whittington, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Bullying is a serious problem that affects many people, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+). According to a recent survey by GLSEN, 86% of LGBTQ+ students experienced harassment or assault at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Bullying can negatively impact mental health, academic performance, and self-esteem. It can also increase the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and homelessness.
LGBTQ+ bullying is any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence that targets someone because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It can include verbal abuse, physical attacks, cyberbullying, exclusion, rumors, threats, or vandalism. LGBTQ+ bullying can also involve homophobic or transphobic slurs, stereotypes, or jokes.
LGBTQ+ bullying can affect anyone perceived to be different from the normative expectations of gender and sexuality. It includes not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also those with LGBTQ+ friends or family members who do not conform to traditional gender roles or expressions.
LGBTQ+ bullying can seriously affect the well-being and development of LGBTQ+ people. Some of the negative effects of LGBTQ+ bullying are:
Lower self-esteem and self-confidence
Higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress
Lower academic achievement and school engagement
Increased absenteeism and dropout rates
Higher rates of substance use and abuse
Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior
Increased vulnerability to homelessness and violence
LGBTQ+ bullying can also affect climate and culture, creating a hostile and unsafe environment for everyone. It can undermine the values of respect, diversity, and inclusion that are essential for a positive learning community.
Preventing LGBTQ+ bullying requires a comprehensive and proactive approach that involves the whole community. Some of the key elements of prevention are:
Establishing clear policies and procedures prohibiting LGBTQ+ bullying and discrimination, outlining the consequences for perpetrators and the support for victims.
Providing training and education about LGBTQ+ issues, diversity, and inclusion.
Creating a positive climate that celebrates diversity and fosters respect, empathy, and acceptance among all members.
Integrating LGBTQ+ perspectives and experiences into curriculums and extracurricular activities, such as literature, history, art, or sports.
Engaging with external partners and resources that can provide expertise, guidance, or support on LGBTQ+ issues, such as local LGBTQ+ organizations or community centers.
How can we intervene in LGBTQ+ bullying?
LGBTQ+ bullying can be stopped by taking action when it happens. Here are some ways to intervene in LGBTQ+ bullying:
Report any incidents of bullying or harassment to the authorities
Protect the victim from further harm or retaliation
Provide emotional support and counseling to the victim
Confront the bully in a calm and respectful way
Educate the bully about the impact of their actions
Seek mediation or restorative justice if possible
LGBTQ+ bullying is a serious issue affecting many people worldwide. By addressing it with compassion and action, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
Dr. Shannon Whittington, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
LGBTQ+ Certified Speaker, author, consultant. nurse.Not another boring bio folks. Bottom line, I’m a nurse educator and author who loves helping people. I’m gay so I guess that makes me a gay nurse educator! I recognized a huge LGBTQ+ knowledge gap within myself and within organizations. Instead of groaning about it, I decided to grow about it. So, I went back to school to get a bunch of extra letters after my name to look smart so people would listen to what I have to say. It seems to be working most times. Here’s the tea: us gay folks are everywhere. My mission is to empower organizations with rainbow inclusion and to transform how healthcare is delivered to the LGBTQ+ community.
