Love Thy Neighbour, ITV series; 55 episodes Eddie Booth is a racist bigot, who uses racially offensive language without thinking. He lives fairly happily in a quiet street with his wife Joan until the day new neighbours Bill and Barbie Reynolds move in. The new neighbours are West Indians, so it isn't long before Eddie's prejudices begin to cause problems……

Homophobic Bullying The Stonewall Report  ‘Homophobic bullying is almost endemic in Britain’s schools. Almost 65% of young lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils who responded said that they had experienced direct bullying’  ‘Even if gay pupils are not directly experiencing bullying, they are learning in an environment where homophobic language and comments are commonplace. 98% of all pupils have heard the comment ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school; 80% hear such comments often or frequently’  Anti-Bullying policies in place – only 6% of schools specifically refer to homophobic bullying.

‘You’re so gay!’ It’s NOT OK to use offensive language e.g.:  Dyke  Queer  Fairy  Poof  Queen  Lezzie  So, why does it still happen?

WHY?  age of consent for two men reduced from 18 to 16 – equality at last  2003 – ‘Section 28’ controversy  Employment law changed – equal rights for all  2005 – Changes to Criminal Justice Act – ‘hate crime’  2005 – Civil Partnerships permitted by new laws  2007 – Equality Act – prohibits discrimination against LGB people in relation to the provision of goods and facilities (e.g. mortgages, hotel rooms)

Effects of Homophobia on Victims  Underachievement – poor exam results and life chances  Truancy  Mental health problems  Panic attacks  Eating disorders  Self harm  Suicide attempts – 1 in 5 LGB young people attempt this  ‘The worst thing about homophobia in my school is knowing that the teachers won’t stop it. They pretend that it isn’t happening and some even join in. It’s bad enough without the teachers patronising you by saying things like ‘it’ll go away’. Year 9 boy

So what can we do?  Acknowledge the problem  Recognise its importance  Work together to devise strategies to deal with this and review relevant policies  Challenge discrimination wherever it appears and be prepared to celebrate diversity  Ask for help if you need it!

Peer Support and Leadership We need YOU!  Volunteers to review and produce materials for PSHCE  Volunteers to help deliver lessons to younger pupils  Volunteers to talk about the work at a county-wide Anti-Bullying conference…

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Dawn Airey, Television Executive

W H Auden, Poet

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Lionel Blue, Rabbi

Clare Balding, BBC Sports Journalist

Michael Barrymore, Entertainer

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Michaelangelo, Painter

Florence Nightingale, Social Campaigner

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Virginia Woolf, Writer

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Bruno Tonioli, Dancer and Choreographer

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Peter Mandelson, Politician