merrion street

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn today opened a conference on homophobic and transphobic bullying, in association with Ireland’s presidency of the EU Council. Held by the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA- Europe), it is examining the issue of homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools across the EU.

Speaking at the event in Dublin, Minister Quinn said,

Unfortunately, LGBT learners may be experiencing isolation, fear, marginalisation and lack of acceptance from their peers and others as a result of their sexuality or perceived sexuality.

It is clear that education can play a key role in supporting these students, and in tackling the underlying prejudices which can lead to homophobic and transphobic bullying. The Action Plan on Bullying, which I recently launched, specifically addresses these issues and includes several concrete proposals to tackle them.