Take Action: You can read the magazines GT (Gay Times) and Diva on Zinio using your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You need to have an Oxfordshire library card.
People say I'm gay or say mean things about my gender
If you are a young person who is being bullied because of sexuality (homophobia or biphobia) or gender identity (transphobia), this is not OK. Any kind of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic abuse is wrong - whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not.
It is also wrong and hurtful to say nasty or mean things about gay or trans people. It's reported by 97% of young LGB people that they regularly hear insulting homophobic remarks at school. (Source: Stonewall, Education for all) This makes them feel bad, even if the remarks are not directed at them.
Take Action: If someone in your class or group says bad things about LGBT people, you can help everyone if you challenge them. Here are some good challenges:
Saying "gay" to mean rubbish or bad isn't acceptable.
That's homophobic language, you cannot say that.
Using that negative language is insulting and isn't okay.
You need to use respectful language when you talk to people.
Sometimes when people are using homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language, or you are being bullied because of gender identity or sexuality, it is not possible to challenge the behaviour. Your safety is important, but it is also important not to let people get away with bad behaviour. Reporting bullying makes the environment safer for everyone and helps protect people in the future.
Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying is as unacceptable as any other sort of bullying. Whether you are in the workplace, in a club, out and about or in your school, it should be reported, taken seriously and stopped.
Crucial: You don't need to be LGBTQ+ yourself to challenge homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language or behaviour. In fact, being an ally (a term for individuals that support a cause despite not identifying within the community) is really important. Everyone can help make the world a safer and friendlier place.
For more information about bullying or what to do if you are being bullied please visit the Oxme Anti-Bullying Pages.
Definitions
Homophobia is a word that describes negative attitudes and views or discrimination towards people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. It also includes negative attitudes and views towards people who others assume or think are lesbian, gay or bisexual, whether or not they actually are.
Biphobia is a word that describes negative attitudes and views or discrimination towards people who identify as bisexual or pansexual. It also includes negative attitudes and views towards people who others assume or think are bisexual/pansexual whether or not they actually are.
Transphobia is a word that describes negative attitudes and views or discrimination towards people who identify as transsexual and/or transgender. It also includes negative attitudes and views towards people who others assume or think are transsexual and/or transgender whether or not they actually are. The discrimination is based on negative views of gender identity.
Discrimination - To discriminate means to treat someone unfairly.
Instant expert: Crimes committed against someone because of that person's sexual orientation or perceived orientation are called homophobic/transphobic hate crime - find out more, including how to report a crime.
Sex and safer sex
The age of consent for gay men is the same as for heterosexual couples, sixteen. If a woman has sex with a girl under sixteen she can be prosecuted, under different laws.
Before you have sex, you need to know about safer sex, consent and the law. You should still know about how to use contraception to avoid STIs and pregnancy, as even if this is not a concern in your current relationship. This will help you support friends, and be ready if a future partner is opposite sex or trans.
Any sexual contact risks transmitting or catching a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Find out more about Sexual Health, or visit Sexual Health and Contraception Oxfordshire for advice, support and clinic information.
Respect and Relationships
When a young person starts having relationships, there is a risk of being targeted by adults or other young people who will abuse them. Young people who are LGBTQ+ are also at risk of child sexual exploitation. Young men are also at risk of child sexual exploitation.
At any age, respect in relationships is really important. Learn to spot the signs of Domestic Abuse and coercive control and insist on respect.
My experience: coping with isolation
Being gay can be quite isolating. I don't live in a big cosmopolitan city, I didn't know anyone else who was, or thought they were gay. Realising there are groups of young gay people, for young gay people, feels really good. You know you're not alone. You know you're going through what they're going through. You know all you have to do is pop along one day and meet them all in total confidentiality, whether you're out or not. I found it really helped. Just making new friends, meeting new people, and, better than that, it meant I could start being me and doing things I'd always wanted to. It gave me a safe place to go just 'be' gay, however ridiculous that sounds - Anon, Way Out (LGBT Youth Group)
My friend has come out - what can I do to support them?
When a friend comes out to you as LGBTQ+, you might have lots of feelings. You might feel shocked, confused, or even angry that you didn't know sooner! But your feelings are something for you to deal with. What your friend needs is for you to listen, support, understand and be happy for them. It's fine to ask questions, but respect it when they don't want to answer. Everyone's journey is different!
This video can be really helpful if you want to ask questions, but aren't sure if they're too personal. In it people who are trans give answers to questions people have asked on Google about being trans.
Comments
Hello
Hello
We are been referred to you by the London gender intelligence.
And I was wondering if there was any groups that me and my family can attend as my youngest daughter believes she is transgender and we believe a family group talk with a member of your team would be beneficial to us a a family.
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Sally,
Hi Sally,
Oxfordshire does not currently have any groups for parents and families of transgender children.The kind of support you are seeking is probably best found by referral through your GP.
Our Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator, Jo Brown, has a few parents she is in contact with regarding transphobic bullying within the county. These parents may be willing to form a support group with you. If you wish to speak to her or take part, her email address is Jo.Brown@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
Mermaids UK is a national organisation which can offer advice and support for parents, and direct support for teens.
MyNormal and TOPAZ are local youth groups for teens which support LGBT+ people.
Oxford Friend is a local organisation which has a phone line and email support for LGBT+ people.
TransOxford is a local group which might also be able to point you towards support.
This should give you enough to get started on. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you need any more information.
Kind regards,
Ellen Gersh
Hi,
Hi,
I've recently come out as transgender but I'm not sure what to do next, could someone help me by pointing me in the right direction?
Thanks for your comment Nick,
Thanks for your comment Nick, you may find the NHS Choices page on Gender Dysphoria useful. This explains the first steps towards transitioning. There are also a variety of links on the page to support groups, these are all supportive of transgender individuals, and can provide more information. If you are under 25, I would urge you to get in touch with our local youth groups, which are very supportive and inclusive. You may also find this information on Mermaids UK useful.
Hi again,
Hi again,
Following my last message here.
I want to know how I should explain this to a doctor, I'm unsure of how to approach this, can someone advise me on what is the right thing to say?
Thanks
Nick
Hello Nick,
Hello Nick,
We would suggest that the best people to talk to would be TransOxford as you will be able to get information from people who have gone through the transitioning process themselves.
Thank you.
I am writing to you regarding
I am writing to you regarding a PHSE Day we are arranging for sixth formers in Bicester on 29 November 2018. We would like the day to focus on PHSE issues that are relevant to this age group and you have been recommended as providing excellent training about the differences between gender and sexuality and promoting positive attitudes.
The training will take place at the Cooper School in Bicester but we hope to have students from all three schools in the town attend the event. The idea is that they would rotate round a series of talks in groups so it is likely that you would need to give your session several times. Could you also indicate how many people you could include in a group.
Do you have a lesson plan for this age group that you could share with me so that I could better understand the issues you might cover and whether you might be available on this date.
Regards
Rosie
Hello Rosie, you can contact
Hello Rosie, you can contact Topaz at topaz@ark-t.org or my Normal at MyNormalOxford@gmail.com - you also might find it helpful to get in touch with Jo Brown jo.brown@oxfordshire.gov.uk who has various materials and contact which support LGBTQ in schools.
Hello, I need to find support
Hello, I need to find support groups for parents with a LGBT child, could you please help
Hi HH, thanks very much for
Hi HH, thanks very much for leaving this message.
Assuming it's in the right area (it's based in Reading, but operates across the Thames Valley) then The Family Network from Support U may be a good fit for you. They also have a helpline.
In other areas, you can find local support using Stonewall's What's in my Area tool. They also have a good page for parents and can also provide support via their information service.
Thank you
Thank you
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