Transphobic bullying is behaviour or language that makes a child or young person feel unwelcome or marginalised because of their perceived or actual gender identity. Not all transgender (trans) young people experience transphobic bullying and not all transphobic bullying is directed at trans young people.
Transphobic bullying is wrong and it must be stopped.
Transphobic bullying often occurs as a result of others’ prejudice being directed at a child or young person because:
- They are transgender
- They are perceived to be transgender
- They do not fit with traditional gender norms (eg. boys with long hair or wearing make-up, girls playing team sports)
- They have transgender friends or family members
- They are perceived as being different
Like other types of bullying, transphobic bullying can take many different forms and happen online, via phone or in the physical world. Examples of transphobic bullying can include:
- Calling someone names, teasing or humiliating them using transphobic language
- Using incorrect pronouns (eg. he/she, him/her) to humiliate someone
- Hitting, kicking, punching or physically hurting someone
- Refusing to work or cooperate with someone because of their real or perceived gender identity
- Vandalism of property, offensive graffiti or displaying symbols
- Inappropriate sexual comments or gestures
For information on tackling transphobic bullying, click here.
Key Contacts:
Equality Commission
See also:
TransgenderNI
The Rainbow Project