Bullying and Cheek Turning: Reactive Abuse in the LGBTQ+ Community
“Turn the other cheek” becomes increasingly difficult under institutionalized cruelty
Queer kids unfortunately are no strangers to bullying. The stereotype of the sharp-witted, snarky gay person often stems from developing such traits as a defense mechanism against repeated mistreatment.
Bullies sniff out difference, vulnerability, and the qualities they find most threatening within their own selves. As Andre Solo wrote of his adolescence as a sensitive kid who defied gender norms:
“The other boys have little respect for the dreamy kid who prefers a walk in the forest over a football game, who writes novels instead of coming to parties. And he has no interest in vying for their approval.”
According to hrc.org, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that LGBTQ+ young people continue to face higher health and suicide risks compared to their peers. This mirrors previous analyses that showed LGBTQ+ students were more likely to experience victimization, violence, and thoughts of suicide.
Forty-three percent of transgender youth report being bullied on school property, while attempted suicide rates are notably high among transgender (29%)…
