What is homophobia and homophobic bullying?

What is homophobia and homophobic bullying? Homophobia is a dislike or fear of someone who is lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB).

Homophobic bullying is often present in an environment that fails to challenge and respond to homophobia. It can take the form of rumour-mongering, social isolation, text messaging, frightening looks, negative use of the word ‘gay’, as well as physical bullying. It does not just affect young people who identify as LGB, it can also directly affect any young person whose life choices, interests, needs or family circumstances do not conform to accepted gender and family norms. Homophobia can also have a detrimental affect on adult members of the school community who are LGBT.