| HOMOPHOBIA | |||
| "Homophobia has a severe impact on mental & emotional heath. It can cause feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness, depression and anxiety, isolation and loneliness" (1). | |||
| ITS EFFECTS | |||
| 34% of gay men & 24% of lesbians have experienced violence (3). | |||
| 31% of lesbians & 32% of gay men have experienced harrassment (3). | |||
| 75% of lesbians and 72% of gay men have been verbally abused (3). | |||
| EFFECTS ON YOUNG PEOPLE | |||
| 82% of teachers are aware of homophobic bullying in school (2). | |||
| One in five young gay people have inflicted serious self-harm and/or attempted suicide as a result of homophobic abuse (3). | |||
| Two fifths of violent attacks on gay people under 18 years old took place at school (3). | |||
| Amongst gay people under 18 years old: 48% have been the subject of a violent attack 38% have been blackmailed or threatened 90% have been called names (3). | |||
| REFERENCES | |||
| (1) Terence Higgins Trust, Homophobia factsheet 1999. | |||
| (2) Douglas N et al. Playing It Safe. Institute of Education, University of London,1997. | |||
| (3) Queerbashing - A National Survey of Hate Crimes Against Lesbians and Gay Men, Stonewall. London, 1996. | |||