Facts about Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian)
at Second level Education in Ireland
- 58% of respondents reported homophobic bullying in their school;
- 25% were physically threatened by their school peers;
- 20% skipped school because they felt threatened or afraid of getting hurt because they were LGBT;
- 5% left school early because of homophobic bullying.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people may be more susceptible to mental health problems than heterosexual people due to a range of factors, including discrimination and inequalities. Positively, there is a growing acceptance of the LGBT community in Ireland in recent years. However, there is a clear need for greater evidence on how impactful policies and practices can be effectively implemented to combat inequalities and disadvantage for the LGBT community.
Sexual Orientation & Mental Health
- Evidence suggests people identifying as LGBT are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health;
- Members of the LGBT community are more likely to experience a range of mental health problems such as depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and alcohol and substance misuse;
- The higher prevalence of mental ill health among members of the LGBT community can be attributed to a range of factors such as discrimination, isolation and homophobia. This can lead to members of the LGBT community feeling dissatisfied with health services, with mental health services most often perceived to be discriminatory.
