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Supporting Young People

Supporting Young People. Changing Ireland. BeLonG To Youth Service. Provides supports and services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people 14-23 yrs Want all young people to grow up knowing its ok to be gay Dublin based LGBT youth groups

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Supporting Young People

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  1. Supporting Young People Changing Ireland

  2. BeLonG To Youth Service • Provides supports and services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people 14-23 yrs • Want all young people to grow up knowing its ok to be gay • Dublin based LGBT youth groups • National Network of LGBT youth groups • Training and Resources • Awareness Week in Youth Sector and Schools

  3. BeLonG To LGBT Youth Groups National Network • Donegal • Galway • Limerick • Cork • Waterford • Tipperary • Dundalk Dublin Groups • BeLonG To Sunday • LadyBirds • Individuality • Over 18s • Wednesday Drop In

  4. LGBT People • Lesbian • Gay • Bisexual • Transgender

  5. Sexual Orientation Some people are attracted, emotionally and physically, to people of the same sex: Lesbian, Gay Some people are attracted, emotionally and physically, to people of the opposite sex: Heterosexual Some people are attracted, emotionally and physically to people of either sex: Bisexual

  6. Prejudice • Previous prejudice against left-handed people • Some people have negative attitudes about LGBT people • Homophobia: A fear or hatred of someone who is, or who is perceived to be, lesbian or gay. Usually used to include biphobia and transphobia. • Homophobic: An action or belief that discriminates against a person because they are, or are perceived to be, lesbian or gay. Usually used to include biphobic and transphobic.

  7. Language about LGBT People • Words are Powerful and Important – They reflect and affect how we feel about people • Words about LGBT people often are • Offensive • Derogatory • Negative • Very often the word used are highly sexualised or are linked to gender stereotypes • Often based on stereotypes and misinformation • Very hurtful and offensive to LGBT people • Creates very negative environment for LGBT people • Makes it difficult for people to be open about their sexuality / gender identity if they constantly hear negative messages about LGBT people

  8. Timeline of Events in LGBT Young People’s Lives 16yrs – Most Vulnerable to start Self Harming 12yrs - Most Common age to become aware LGBT Identity 17yrs – Most common age to ‘Come Out’ 17yrs – Most Vulnerable to attempt suicide for first time

  9. Incidence of Homophobic Bullying • LGBT students in Irish Schools • 50% experienced verbal homophobic bullying • 40% verbally threatened by fellow students • 25% physically threatened by their peers • 34% heard homophobic comments from teachers and other school staff • 2006 – Straight Talk DCU study • 79% of teachers in Irish schools aware of verbal homophobic bullying • 90% of schools said their school’s anti-bullying policy did not include reference to homophobic bullying

  10. Impact on Mental Health • Stress • Depression • Alcohol and Drug Abuse • 27% of LGBT people had self-harmed at least once • 50% of LGBT people under 25 years had seriously thought about ending their lives • 20% of LGBT people under 25 years had attempted suicide at least once

  11. Parents • Importance of messages you give your children • Are you teaching respect for ALL people or intolerance of difference? • LGBT Young People often fearful of telling parents • Make it clear to your children that you will support and love them whoever they are • No parent wants their child to be bullied or to be a bully • Avoiding serious problems: Early School Leaving, Depression, Self-Harm, Suicide

  12. Support for Parents LOOK Loving Our Out Kids www.lovingouroutkids.org

  13. Ph: 01 670 6223 E: info@belongto.org W: www.belongto.org W: www.belongto.org/pro/

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