Data has shown almost half of LGBTQ+ adults in the Northwest were bullied at school, compared to a fraction of their straight peers.

43 per cent were bullied, whereas 13 per cent of their straight peers experienced bullying, according to new independent research by Just Like Us, a young LGBTQ+ people’s charity.

This, the charity said, was significantly worse that the national average (36 per cent) and second only to East Anglia, where 45 per cent of LGBTQ+ adults reported being bullied at school.

In addition, 23 per cent of LGBTQ+ adults in the Northwest agreed with the statement: “I do not have fond memories of school, I have blocked it out of my memory.” 

This was double that of non-LGBTQ+ adults in the Northest surveyed (14 per cent).

48 per cent of LGBTQ+ adults in the Northwest did not enjoy their time at school, compared with just 28 per cent of their non-LGBTQ+ peers in the region.

In addition, more than half of LGBTQ+ adults in the Northwest (56 per cent) said they did not feel like they had a role model at school. 

15 per cent of LGBTQ+ adults in the Northwest said they had a “terrible relationship” with their teachers than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (six per cent).

The new research comprises an online survey of 3,076 UK adults – 1,001 were LGBTQ+ and 2,075 were non-LGBTQ+ aged 18 to 65+, carried out between July and August 2022.

A spokesperson from Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC), an LGBTQ+ youth charity in Carlisle, responded: “As an organisation working with young queer people it sadly comes as no surprise.

“While some schools in Cumbria are making great leaps in helping queer youth, others not only lag behind but continue to employ and support teachers who are openly and proudly hostile to queer people.

“Many young people do not feel supported by schools, the term ‘gay’ is still used as a slur by young people and its use is overlooked by staff at times.

“When we have a culture that it’s ok for MPs to bully queer people then of course that will percolate into society and our children.

“Adults, especially those in power should lead by example to create a kind and equal society.

“On top of this, Cumbria needs more queer spaces and events, something that we will continue to provide through our work at PiNC and with our friends at Free Radical Arts.”

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