Nearly half of Irish students think a classmate would be bullied for coming out, research finds
Boy in school (Getty Images)
Research published by Belong To found that almost half of students in Ireland think a gay, lesbian or bisexual classmate would face bullying if they came out at school, and that concern rises further if a student came out as trans.
The figures were released as Belong To, the national LGBTQ+ youth charity behind Stand Up Awareness Week, launched its annual campaign across schools, Youthreach centres and youth services in Ireland. The initiative is now in its 17th year and aims to end anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and foster inclusion for young people in education and youth settings.
Speaking at the launch, Belong To CEO Kieran O’Donovan said: “It is incredibly concerning that half of students in Ireland believe a gay, lesbian or bisexual classmate would be bullied if they came out at school, and more than half if a student came out as trans.”
Belong To also highlighted a more positive finding: 76% of those surveyed now believe their school would provide a “safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students”, up from 72% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. The charity said 68% of schools in Ireland took part in Stand Up Awareness Week last year.
What is Stand Up Awareness Week and what is this year’s theme?
This year’s Stand Up Awareness Week theme is ‘You Belong Here’, a message aimed at reminding young people they should feel they belong in their education and youth settings.
O’Donovan said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is about sending a simple but powerful message to LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland: you belong here.”
Belong To supports LGBTQ+ young people through youth services, training and resources for schools, with a focus on wellbeing, belonging and reducing stigma.
The charity has not gone without facing challenges, as in 2020, an email campaign encouraging schools to pull out of Stand Up Awareness Week circulated.
How are schools taking part in 2026?
Belong To launched this year’s campaign at Kingswood Community College in Dublin, with staff and students taking part.
The charity said the week will be observed by schools nationwide through activities such as putting in place ‘rainbow walkways’, staging a Rainbow jumper day, organising art competitions and providing LGBTQ+ inclusive lessons across a range of subjects.
Comedian and podcaster Emma Doran attended the launch and was the campaign’s first-ever parent ambassador. She said: “Nobody should have to spend their school years hiding part of themselves to fit in or stay safe.”
Kingswood Community College deputy principal Emma O’Beirne said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is an important opportunity for our whole school community to reinforce the values we promote in our school every day: respect, inclusion and belonging.”
