Bullying is one of the most worrying problems in school communities. Any characteristic that makes you “different” from others (as if not all of us were) can be teased, attacked or singled out.
When we talk about sexual diversity, bullying can make the lives of those who suffer it tremendously difficult. And it is that, until not many years ago, people used to wait until adulthood to talk openly about their sexual orientation or identity, but today there are more and younger people, and even adolescents who communicate this part of his personality from a very young age.
Trying to live openly as a person from sexual diversity does not always work out well, but it can become easier if allies are found along the way who support respect for difference.
Be an ally at school
“The word ally or ally is full of power,” states on its website the civil organization Lambda Legal, which works in the United States to legally defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans (LGBT) and all those who do not identify with traditional identities.
In the field of sexual diversity, an ally is an individual who is not LGBT, but defends the freedom of those who are, and takes a firm stand to prevent any attack on their guarantees.
Thus, being an ally is not only not participating in the bullying that could arise, but also opposing this practice and trying to stop it whenever possible. Or perhaps who witnesses an injustice (an attack or aggression) and does nothing about it is totally free of responsibility?
We must not lose sight of the fact that, although it may be easier for heterosexual people to raise their voices to defend certain rights, they will also be exposed to harassment or discrimination. This is why assuming the alliance with sexual diversity must be a conscious step and always thinking about promoting respect to benefit the entire community.
A guide for the way
If you are straight and want to make a difference in your school environment, Lambda Legal recommends some actions to be an ally for LGBT students, for example:
- Do not make assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s better to ask a respectful question, such as what the person wants to be called.
- Speak out against homophobia, transphobia and, in general, attacks against sexually diverse people.
- Attend LGBT events, as long as they are not exclusive to those people.
- Use buttons, t-shirts or other objects that show support for sexual diversity.
- Upon witnessing or learning of an assault on someone LGBT, notify school authorities.
- Support a non-heterosexual person’s decision to attend school events, such as graduations, with their same-sex partner.
On the other hand, if you are a teacher, you can follow these steps:
- Declare your classroom a safe space where hate speech is not tolerated.
- Consider including books on LGBT issues or by LGBT authors in your class.
- Make sure school events are inclusive.
- Help organize diversity-related events, such as LGBT Pride month commemorations.
- Designate time in your class to talk about any conflict that arises around sexual diversity.
A new opportunity
After more than two years of interrupted school years due to the COVID-19 health emergency, returning to the classroom after this summer may be an opportunity to improve some things, especially respect for sexual diversity.
Remember that at AHF Latin America and the Caribbean we offer HIV services to all people who need them, without stigma or discrimination. If you want to find out about our services, such as free HIV tests, come to our nearest office in your country or write to us on Whatsapp.
