Gay Teenager Speaks Out About Homophobia In Schools And How It Lead Him To Suffer From An Eating Disorder

A 17 year old Somerset teenager has been speaking out about how coming out, whilst still at school, lead to him suffering from homophobic bullying and anorexia.

Talking about his experience, he said that it was not just him that was subject to such bullying but also other gays and lesbians in his school, and spoke of how there was a severe lack of support for the young LGBT community, using an example of how he was subject to homophobic abuse from a complete stranger on a bus whilst everyone else just stood back and let it happen.

Coming out to his friends and parents at 15, the teenager was relieved  by the  amount of support he received. It was, however, a different story within the school environment where the teenager had to deal with the knowledge that people were commenting and joking bout him behind his back, and receiving no real support in place from his school to cope and deal with it. This, in conjunction with the lack  of other networks from which he could gain support,  soon lead the teenager to suffer feelings of isolation,  which was to eventually lead to an eating disorder.

Now at college, the teenager is healthier and happier, mainly because of the lack of  homophobia, however the experience has had a lasting impact seen by how careful he has become about his sexuality, with displays of public affections like holding hands and kissing being something he avoids, being in fear of how people may react both verbally and physically.

Believing lack of education about the LGBT community in school was a big factor in the way that he was treated, this teenager’s experiences are undoubtedly ones that can no doubt be repeated up and down the country,  and highlights the importance of making sure that homosexuality does become a stronger part both of the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) syllabus to make sure that children are educated that homosexuality is not something to be fearful of.

Photo by dcJohn.