Majority of students who took part in sexuality survey believe society in Ireland is homophobic.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) carried out a survey on sexuality among 500 students from 15 colleges. The findings indicated that 7 out of 10 students believe that society as a whole is homophobic. The figure is slightly higher at 77 per cent among lesbian, gay and bisexual students.
College students here firmly believe that we live in a homophobic society.
The report found that one in every ten students identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Over half of this group have been verbally abused over their sexuality.
Gay and Lesbian Rights Officer at the USI Tadhg O'Brien says that they have received reports of many incidents of homophobic behaviour. The most recent happened over a poster advertising UCD Rainbow Week which was objected to by staff and students. He says that the problem of homophobia is widespread. Levels of acceptance of lesbian and gay students vary. In some cases, students open about their sexuality in college who come out to their parents have been cut off from their families.
The USI has been trying to provide a safe space for students on every college campus so that lesbian, gay and bisexual students do not have to live in isolation. There are several events designed to raise awareness of these issues to the general student population.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 February 2004. The reporter is Anthony Murnane.
