A new study released as Stand Up Awareness Week begins in schools across Ireland suggests that many pupils still fear the consequences of coming out. The findings are sobering, but there’s a more encouraging sign too: students increasingly see their schools as safe and supportive places for LGBTQ+ classmates.
The fear of bullying remains widespread
Almost half of post-primary students in Ireland, 48%, believe a classmate would be bullied for coming out as gay, lesbian or bisexual. For a trans classmate, the figure rises to 52%, according to research conducted by Empathy Research for Belong To.
Those numbers capture what young people think could happen, rather than recording individual incidents. Even so, the expectation of bullying matters: feeling that school corridors may not be safe can make it harder for someone to be open about who they are.
A brighter picture is emerging in schools
The study also found that 76% of students believe their school offers a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ pupils. That proportion has edged upwards over three years, from 74% in 2024 to 75% in 2025.
It’s a welcome counterpoint, though not a reason to assume the problem has gone away. A school can feel supportive to many pupils while others still worry about rejection or harassment. The gap between those perceptions is exactly why listening to students matters.
What Stand Up Awareness Week is trying to change
Now in its 17th year, Stand Up Awareness Week is Belong To’s annual campaign against anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools, youth services and Youthreach centres. In 2025, 68% of schools in Ireland took part, giving the campaign a broad platform for conversations about respect and belonging.
This year’s theme, “You Belong Here”, is a direct message to young people in education and youth settings. Activities range from rainbow walkways and Rainbow Jumper Day to art competitions and lessons that include LGBTQ+ perspectives.
Small school activities can open bigger conversations
The campaign’s launch at Kingswood Community College brought together students, staff and parents, with comedian and podcaster Emma Doran taking on the role of its first parent ambassador. Her message was simple: school can already be a lot for teenagers, without the added worry of being targeted for who they are.
For families and educators, the practical starting point is to make it clear how students can ask for help, and to respond consistently when bullying happens. Visible activities can help, but everyday behaviour matters too: a welcoming classroom is built through what people say, what they challenge and whether every pupil feels heard.
Progress needs to feel real to every pupil
Belong To’s findings offer both a warning and a reason to keep going. More students see their schools as supportive than in earlier surveys, yet around half still expect a gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans classmate could face bullying for coming out.
That tension is familiar in efforts to make schools more inclusive: progress is meaningful, but it needs to reach the students who feel least secure. A clear message of belonging is a good start. Making it real in the corridors, classrooms and staff responses is the harder, more important part.
It’s a reminder that belonging is something schools have to show, not just say.
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