beyondblue have released a new study which suggests that ‘Australian teenage boys are engaging in homophobia at an alarming rate…harming the mental health of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex youth and placing them at risk of suicide.’
Key findings of the study suggest:
- One in five respondents said they find it hard to treat same-sex attracted people the same as others.
- Six in 10 said they had witnessed first-hand people being bullied for their sexuality and four in 10 said they had seen people bullied for the same reason on social media.
- A quarter said terms such as ‘homo’, ‘dyke’ and ‘confused’ are ‘not really that bad’.
- Four in 10 either agreed that they felt anxious or uncomfortable around same-sex attracted people or did not disagree that they felt this way, while 23% think it’s ok to say something they don’t like is ‘gay’ and 38% wouldn’t be happy if a same-sex attracted person was in their friendship group.
Orygen wanted to find out how young people have reacted to these findings so we asked Michael Pappa and Ashlee Compton, two members of the Youth Advisory Group at our headspace Sunshine site.
What is your reaction to the findings that there are high levels of homophobia among teenage boys that is affecting the mental health of young LGBTI people?
Michael: Honestly, it's not surprising but simply disappointing and disheartening. It should be expected in this day and age that young people especially should be more open and accepting of gay people. It is very worrying that there are high levels of homophobia, considering our generation is very aware of the mental health issues that can arise from not feeling accepted by your peers.
Ashlee: It's not surprising. Although I can see there are improvements, young people are becoming more educated more early on in life. It's disappointing to see people still use gay slurs in everyday life, and I always wonder what we can do to change this.
Was this something you were aware of while you were at high school? If so, what form did the homophobia take?
Michael: In my experience, it was never outspoken, but more of an underlying feeling that you would not be entirely accepted by the rest of the class and that there would almost surely be some form of bullying to follow if someone was to reveal their sexuality. Especially in a boy’s school, there are worries that they will all change their attitude towards you because they'll be thinking you may be interested in them (even though it's usually not the case). The term ‘gay’ or ‘fag’ was thrown around a lot as a derogatory term which made the thought of coming out at school even more intimidating, for fear of persecution.
Ashlee: I was always aware of this because I was a victim of homophobic bullying on an almost daily basis. Generally verbal harassment, however I was not exempt from physical violence. These people's commented about my identity and something I considered to be unchangeable in myself and really destroyed my self-esteem, and I had a miserable time of growing up as a result.
What do these high levels of homophobia among teenage boys tells us about that group?
Michael: I feel it tells us that young boys still need an improved education about what it means to be gay and the effects that discrimination against young gay people can have on their mental health, in both the short and long term. I also worry about what some of these young boys are being told by their parents or guardians, who may also need to be better informed about the situation.
Ashlee: I feel that homophobia in teen boys has something to do with how these kids see their parents/elders/role models act. I also feel like it has something to do with hegemonic masculinity - the need to appear manly and tough all the time, and if something challenges this notion, fear and labelling occurs. I believe teen boys need to really examine their own sexuality - gay or straight, before attacking others who may not feel comfortable in their own skin yet either.
What do you think about the announcement that these findings have promoted the launch of a campaign to end LGBTI discrimination among teenagers, particular boys?
Michael: I think it's great news that there is finally an official campaign to fight this discrimination of the LGBTI community amongst teenage boys in particular. I feel it's becoming more and more of a prominent issue in schools and believe it deserves proper recognition and action if we are prevent so many young people who are at risk of having serious mental health issues because of homophobia left to run amuck.
Ashlee: I think that it is a tremendous undertaking. The sexist saying ‘boys will be boys’ applies here. It is very difficult to break habits, and this is so deeply entrenched in society that it will take time and effort beyond a campaign to change this mindset. Unfortunately, I believe discrimination will only die out once older more judgmental people pass on.
Any advice to young gay people who might be being subjected to forms of homophobia?
Michael: The most important thing to remember is to love yourself, and remember it's not you who is the problem. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, because more often than not, many of the people around you will have your back.
Ashlee: I urge any LGBTQIA identifying person who is not feeling comfortable in their identity to seek comfort in venting to someone, anyone. Parents, siblings, friends, teachers, counsellors, even anonymously on a blog. Let your emotions out, vent, write, paint, dance, exercise. Turn that angst and aggression into something beautiful. Don't be afraid to let who you are ruin who you will truly end up becoming.
Major campaign aims to stamp out discrimination against LGBTI people