Ask Sam

Hi there

It feels like a very brave thing to come out to your family and friends about being gay. But it’s disappointing that you haven’t been given the support you were hoping for when you told them.

It sounds like school is particularly difficult, especially at break and lunch times when you are being bullied by people. Coping with bullying is difficult. One way is to ignore what people are saying and keep away from them. But this can then lead to you being alone and feeling isolated. 

Another option would be to speak to an adult at school who you trust and see what they can do to help you. All schools have an anti-bullying policy which sets out what the school will do to help students who are being bullied.  

Check out our message boards to see how other people are coping in a similar situation to you.

You mentioned feeling alone and also feeling sad. It might help you to make contact with other young gay people. There are links from our sexual orientation page where you can find out more information about what might be available in your area. There are also online groups where you could get support and perhaps meet other people.

If you would like to talk things through some more, you could contact a counsellor at ChildLine who would listen and support you.

Take care for now,
Sam.