In fact, this group is almost2 times more likelyto be verbally harassed, called names, or physically assaulted when compared to straight, non-LGBT, or cisgender peers.This raises the concern that LGBTQIA+ bullying is a huge problem.

The LGBTQIA+ community is a particularly vulnerable group especially when we’re talking about teens and youth. They regularly have to deal with vicious verbal, mental, and physical attacks due to how they identify. And with all of the bullying and harassment, there is a heavy negative impact on LGBTQIA+ mental health.

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapistLearn more

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapist

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.

Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapist

Learn more

The statistics are clear. The LGBTQIA+ community and individuals are in danger. How bullying treatment affects their mental health and education is something that we need to talk about. With the right acknowledgement, support, and guidance, those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community can get the help they deserve and need and learn how to find aLGBTQIA+ therapist.

The Effect on Mental HealthThe effects thatLGBTQIA+ bullying can have on mental healthare clear. Being mistreated on any level can have lifelong repercussions. While LGBTQ youth bullying often begins in the teen and adolescent years, it frequently happens even intoadulthood. From discrimination to harassment, the resulting pain from being bullied isn’t easy for anyone to get over, regardless of age.An estimated63% of LGBT teenssay they’re unhappy, versus just 33% of non-LGBT youth who report the same.Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are4 timesmore likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth are.Every time someone who’s LGBTQIA+ experiences physical or verbal attacks or harassment, they’re2 ½ timesmore likely to engage in self-harm.“The effects of bullying are compounded for teens who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. They often don’t have the support system they need to have in place, to adequately support them. This may be due to the fact that they haven’t ‘come out’ to their parents or primary support system -out of fear or rejection, or because their support system has already rejected them. Teens in this community often feel alone and can be vulnerable to chronic bullying and don’t know where to turn.”Talkspace therapist Dr. Amy Cirbus, PhD, LMHC, LPCBullying can cause serious mental health challenges like:AnxietyDepressionPsychological distressSubstance abusePost traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Increased risk taking behavior (sexuality)Work and academic challengesMissed work and schoolSuicidal thoughts or actions

The Effect on Mental Health

The effects thatLGBTQIA+ bullying can have on mental healthare clear. Being mistreated on any level can have lifelong repercussions. While LGBTQ youth bullying often begins in the teen and adolescent years, it frequently happens even intoadulthood. From discrimination to harassment, the resulting pain from being bullied isn’t easy for anyone to get over, regardless of age.

“The effects of bullying are compounded for teens who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. They often don’t have the support system they need to have in place, to adequately support them. This may be due to the fact that they haven’t ‘come out’ to their parents or primary support system -out of fear or rejection, or because their support system has already rejected them. Teens in this community often feel alone and can be vulnerable to chronic bullying and don’t know where to turn.”

Talkspace therapist Dr. Amy Cirbus, PhD, LMHC, LPC

Bullying can cause serious mental health challenges like:

The Effect on Education

Bullying doesn’t only affect mental health. It can also have a significant, direct impact on education, too. Difficulty concentrating, fear of their environment, avoidance — all of this can ultimately affect how LGBTQIA+ youth learn and what type of education they receive. Overwhelmingly, LGBTQIA+ teens regularly experience sexual harassment, relational aggression, cyberbullying, theft, and physical assault more than their cisgender peers.

Studiesconsistently show that bullying can result in lower grades and missed school. And worse, sometimes it can feel like help is nowhere to be found. Just how much is bullying interfering in the education of a LGBTQIA+ student and the LGBTQIA+ community? The statistics are pretty staggering.

According to the2019National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in our nation’s schools, young people experience severetypes of bullyingregularly.

“So many of my teen clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ miss days and days of school. Bullying has left them feeling angry, ashamed and fearful. Often they complain about physical symptoms or find other excuses, but the pattern of chronic absenteeism is undeniable.”

How to Help Our LGBTQIA+ Youth

We must acknowledge that we can help speak out against LGBTQIA+ youth bullying. By ensuring that students have a safe environment that’s respectful and positive, emphasizing inclusivity, students can feel comfortable at school and in other places in their lives.

This may sound like a tall order, and it definitely begs the question:OK, but how do we do this?But the truth is, there are a number of ways we can offer productive, positive, inclusive environments for all students.

Stop LGBTQIA+ bullying

Together, we can stop LGBTQIA+ bullying. If you see someone being bullied, you can and should intervene to the extent you feel safe to do so. Don’t be afraid to get a parent, teacher, counselor, or another adult involved if you see someone being bullied or if you yourself are being harassed.

Speaking out is the only way we can come together and make it known that LGBTQIA+ youth bullying will not be accepted. Consistent and fast responses are important if we hope to curb bullying behavior and tendencies in the long run.

Make schools a safe space

Mental health resources for LGBTQIA+ youth

There are many mental health resources that can help address LGBTQIA+ bullying and help deal with it if you’ve experienced it or someone you know is struggling. Finding a support group or aLGBTQIA+ friendly therapistcan be your first step. You don’t have to suffer alone. There are people out there and resources available to help you navigate difficult situations like these.

If you or someone you care about is being bullied, being an advocate and standing up to bullying is one of the kindest, strongest things you can do. For more information on how to help, check out the following resources:

LGBTQIA+ bullying is a nationwide, serious problem that affects so many of our youth. But together, we can put an end to the abuses and mistreatment that are simply unacceptable in our world today. You don’t have to tolerate negative or abusive behavior or attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sources:Human Rights Campaign. (2013). Growing Up LGBT in America: HRC Youth Survey Report Key Findings.https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/Growing-Up-LGBT-in-America_Report.pdf. Washington, D.C. Accessed September 12, 2021.BULLYING AND LGBT YOUTH. Mental Health America; 2014:1-2.https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/BACK%20TO%20SCHOOL%202014%20-%20Bullying%20and%20LGBT%20Youth.pdf. Accessed September 12, 2021.CDC. (2011). Sexual Identity, Sex of Sexual Contacts, and Health-Risk Behaviors Among Students in Grades 9-12: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/ss/pdfs/ss6509.pdf. Accessed September 12, 2021.Roberts M. CDC Releases National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Results. HRC.https://www.hrc.org/news/new-cdc-data-shows-lgbtq-youth-are-more-likely-to-be-bullied-than-straight-cisgender-youth. Published 2020. Accessed September 12, 2021.Boroughs, Ph.D M. The Impact Of LGBT-Related Bullying On Emerging Adults – MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds. MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds.https://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/grade-school/impact-lgbt-related-bullying-emerging-adults/. Accessed September 12, 2021.The 2019 National School Climate Survey. New York: GLSEN; 2020.https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/NSCS19-FullReport-032421-Web_0.pdf. Accessed September 13, 2021.Get Help Now. StopBullying.gov.https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now. Published 2021. Accessed September 12, 2021.

Sources:

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

Share0Tweet0Pin it0

Share0

Tweet0

Pin it0