RAD and Deaf Rainbow UK: Homophobia/bullying and how to react to it (BSL)

*Content warning: Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, bullying*
This video contains content that viewers may potentially find upsetting, triggering or is not suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. If you do not want to watch, please click off.
This video is part of a series produced in partnership with Deaf Rainbow UK.
Homophobic bullying is bullying that is based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about, or behaviours towards, bisexual, lesbian or gay people. Homophobic bullying can also include denying somebody’s lesbian, gay or bi identity or refusing to accept it.
Homophobic bullying may be targeted at people who are, or who are perceived to be, lesbian, gay or bi. It can also suggest that someone or something is less worthy because they are lesbian, gay or bi.
Homophobic bullying can be targeted at people who have lesbian, gay or bi family members, and those who do not conform to gender stereotypes or are seen to be ‘different’ in some way, regardless of whether the person is actually lesbian gay or bi.
Transphobic bullying is bullying based on prejudice or negative attitudes, views or beliefs about, or behaviours towards, trans people, including non-binary people. This can also include denying somebody’s gender identity or refusing to accept it.
Transphobic bullying affects children and young people who are trans, including non-binary people. It can also affect those who are questioning their gender identity as well as whoever identify themselves not trans but do not conform to gender stereotypes.
Like other forms of bullying, homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying behaviours:
-Are intentional
-Are repeated over time
-Cause physical and/or emotional harm to the victim
-Can happen online as well as in person
-Can take lots of different forms, including but not limited to, physical, verbal or emotional actions
Homophobia is a big problem, even though we are starting to open up to LGBTQIA+ problems, it can still be a huge issue even today.
Homophobia can affect mental health, it can make people scared to open up about gender, or sexuality, and they can be treated unfairly. We have created a video that concentrates on LGBTIQA+ mental health if you wish to watch.
Homophobia can greatly affect the mental health of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. It can cause them to bottle up their emotions, never seek help, and hide from society.
According to Stonewall, “Two in five trans people have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity.” and “More than a quarter of LGBTQIA+ students (28%) say they were excluded by other students for being LGBTQIA+.”
People are more likely to feel safe, happy and fulfil their potential if they:
-Feel able to be themselves and valued for who they are.
-Feel included and part of the school, college or setting’s community.
-Have access to resources and information that reflect who they are.
-Are shown visible role models to reassure them that LGBTQIA+ people can be happy and successful.
-Feel they have people to talk to and know how to access support services in school and in the local community, for example through local LGBTQIA+ youth groups.
Things that should be encouraged in all sectors to ensure that the LGBTQIA+ community feel included.
Do:
-There are many, many opportunities to celebrate difference daily within schools.  Cherish diversity and make it absolutely possible for anyone to thrive in your environment. 
-Ensure the school curriculum contributes to preventing all forms of bullying. Use PSHE education curriculum to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves and others safe from bullying, and to recognise and challenge bullying in all its forms.
-Challenge gender stereotypes. For example, is there a culture that girls don't play sports or that boys aren't supposed to show emotion?
-Listen.  Be a talking place where anyone can speak out and feel supported if they face discrimination, are questioning their sexuality or bullying.
-Challenge all forms of discriminatory and derogatory language.
-Ask what would make a difference. Consider what needs to change.  Or even better - do this before any bullying happens. What would it take for anyone to be able to walk into this and feel valued and supported?
-Involve the whole community. This is everyone’s issue. Make sure that everyone in the community all know that you take a strong position when it comes to tackling bullying - whether it happens in person or online.
For more information, please email or send a BSL video to:
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The series will feature on:
RAD BSL Information Hub: bit.ly/4c5Id3P
www.royaldeaf.org.uk/informat...
Deaf Rainbow UK website: www.deafrainbowuk.org.uk/
BSL (British Sign Language)
Royal Association for Deaf people: royaldeaf.org.uk/