Schools to get booklet on sexual orientation

An advice booklet for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teenagers will be available in secondary schools across the State by Christmas.

The booklet, launched by the Equality Authority in Dublin yesterday, aims to address the gap in information for LGBT young people, undermine stereotypes and promote equality and diversity, particularly in schools.

A YouthNet study in Northern Ireland found the average age at which children realise they are LGBT is 12 for boys and 13 for girls.

However, the average age they first talk to anyone about their sexual identity is 17 for boys and 18 for girls.

"This gap is astounding. It is a measure of the work that needs to be done. The importance of this booklet very much lies in its capacity to break the silence," chief executive of the Equality Authority, Mr Niall Crowley, said.

Young LGBT people experience isolation, marginalisation and "invisibility", he said and schools had a key role to play in addressing these issues.

"I believe that the hazard of bullying is quite widespread but it is not measured and is not coming to our attention sufficiently. Schools are required to take action where this problem arises."

He urged schools across the country to make the booklet, designed by members of the LGBT youth support group, Belong To, available to students.