Bellingen High students take action after homophobic bullying at school

In a heartwarming show of solidarity, students at a Coffs Coast school rallied in support of their LGBTQI peers who had been subjected to homophobic bullying.

Bellingen High School students walkout of school in solidarity with LGBTQI students who were subjected to homophobic bullying and harassment earlier in the month. They were also supported by members of the Bellingen community.

Students at Bellingen High have walked off school grounds and held a ‘snap action’ to show solidarity with LGBTQI students subjected to homophobic bullying.

Bellingen High School students walkout of school in solidarity with LGBTQI students who were subjected to homophobic bullying and harassment earlier in the month.

The action was held at the Bellingen library, with members of the school community keen to demonstrate their support for the students and, with the Bellingen community, make a stand against homophobia.

About 70 students and 30 community members attended the action, with a number of members of the public sharing their own experiences as someone who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex.

One person spoke of how much it meant living in a supportive community, which they had found in Bellingen, while another gave a personal account of their own time at school.

June is also recognised as International Pride month and the significance of the timing was not lost on attendees.

The Advocate understands the event was in part a reaction to instances of bullying at the Bellingen High.

In particular, an incident in which a number of students intimidated members of a LGBTQI group who were meeting on school grounds in early June.

Bellingen High School students walkout of school in solidarity with LGBTQI students who were subjected to homophobic bullying and harassment earlier in the month.

The students are believed to have banged on doors and directed homophobic remarks at those inside.

Bellingen High School and the Department of Education have been contacted for comment.