USI as recently launched a pamphlet offering advice to lesbian, gay and bisexual students on "coming out" while in college.

The pamphlet, which has been distributed to third level colleges around the country, contains advice, helpline numbers and other information which the compilers hope will give GLB students more confidence and self esteem to help them through their college years. It is also hoped that the pamphlet will help to combat homophobia at third level.

"The thinking behind it is that by getting the pamphlet around the colleges we are raising awareness on LGB issues, which is also the first step in combatting homophobia," said USI's LGB rights officer Duane Farrell. "It's also a support mechanism for LGB students themselves to let them know they are not alone, even if they just need a friendly chat." The pamphlet will be followed by a series of roadshows in USI affiliated colleges.

Despite the perception of students as being more liberal in their thinking than other sections of society, homophobia still exists among some sections of the third level population.

"I don't think it's as bad, in a violent form, as it was but I think people still have problems understanding the concept of homosexuality," says Farrell. "They try not to treat them differently but, in the end, they do."