Almost half of Irish students think LGBTQ+ classmates would be bullied if they came out
The figure rises to more than half when students are asked about a transgender classmate
By Callum Wells
Almost half of students in Ireland believe a gay, lesbian or bisexual classmate would be bullied if they came out at school, according to new research.
The figure rises to more than half when students are asked about a transgender classmate, highlighting concerns around the treatment of LGBTQ+ young people in education.
Ireland’s LGBTQ+ youth organisation, Belong To, published the findings as it launched its annual Stand Up Awareness Week yesterday (2 November).
Stand Up Awareness Week runs from 2 to 6 November
The research also found that 76 per cent of students believe their school provides a “safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students”. This is up from 75 per cent in 2024 and 72 per cent in 2023.
Now in its 17th year, Stand Up Awareness Week runs from 2 to 6 November, with schools, Youthreach centres and youth services across Ireland taking part. The campaign aims to tackle anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and promote inclusion among young people. In 2025, 68 per cent of schools in Ireland participated.
This year’s campaign was launched at Kingswood Community College in Dublin. Comedian and podcaster Emma Doran attended alongside students and staff, having been named the initiative’s first-ever parent ambassador.
The theme for 2026 is ‘You Belong Here’. Schools are marking the week with activities including rainbow walkways, Rainbow Jumper Days, art competitions and lessons covering LGBTQ+ topics across different subjects.
“No young person should have to hide who they are out of fear of being excluded, targeted or made to feel unsafe” – Belong To CEO Kieran O’Donovan
Speaking at the launch, Belong To CEO Kieran O’Donovan said: “Stand Up Awareness Week is about sending a simple but powerful message to LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland: you belong here.
“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.
“This is why Stand Up Awareness Week is so important. No young person should have to hide who they are out of fear of being excluded, targeted or made to feel unsafe.
“That sense of belonging can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and future” – O’Donovan
“Through the actions of schools, Youthreach centres and youth services nationwide, Stand Up Awareness Week helps create environments where LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, supported and valued.
“That sense of belonging can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and future, and it’s why this week remains as important as ever.”
Doran also spoke about the importance of addressing bullying at school, saying: “As a parent, I know teenagers already have enough to be dealing with between exams, friendship drama and being mortified by absolutely everything their parents do. Worrying about being bullied for who they are shouldn’t be added to that list.
“I am proud to stand this week with all LGBTQ+ young people and ask that parents support their kids to recognise the harm of LGBTQ+ bullying, and the long term impact this can have.”