LGBT bullying the focus of student-run meeting in downtown St. John's

Dozens of people turned out in St. John's Thursday night to hear a panel of high school students talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in the education system. 

Students, politicians and members of the community gathered at Rocket Bakery in downtown St. John's.

The students were there to talk openly about what kind of support they're seeing inside our education system, and to share their experiences about being bullied for being part of the LGBT community. 

The speakers talked about "coming out" during one of the most vulnerable times in a young person's life. 

Those at the meeting said there is a lot of support, but many LGBT students have bad experiences in high school. 

Afraid to be in school

Bishops College student Sawyer Making said school can be a terrifying place for some students in the LGBT community. 

"I face a lot transphobia in the classroom and in the halls, especially going to the bathroom."

Making also wishes people such as teachers were more comfortable with LGBT issues and understood what he was going through. 

"One of my main issues is that teachers don't know how to talk about these things with trans youth and just don't have the words to talk to us about what's going on."

Student Nick Thoms says even though he's straight, he's also often been the target of homophobic bullies.
    
"It's something that affects all of us," he said.

"When it's something that conflicts with our daily routines, our lives and our passions, it should be something that should be of concern."

"If we could slip it into the education and it was treated as a normalcy, it would be better for everybody."