Have the colleges really tried to face it down?

College authorities have failed to prevent campus homophobia, asserts Suzy Byrne, a lesbian activist and mature student. She is prompted to ask: "Have they tried?" Despite the fact that gay and lesbian rights in Ireland are protected by some of the most liberal legislation in Europe, the laws are insufficient to prevent discrimination against homosexuals, says Byrne.

At third level, students and staff are still afraid to come out. "They are afraid to complain about instances of homophobia - preferring to avoid drawing attention to themselves."

Although lesbian and gay societies have been established on all university campuses, "in the IT sector, they are coming on stream more slowly," she notes. But, however significant gay and lesbian societies are, they are insufficient.

"Many people are afraid to be seen at gay societies or attending special social events. Anyway, gay societies tend to be mainly political organisations which are interested in gay rights rather than gay needs."

It's ironic, says Byrne, that lesbian and gays can get refugee status on the basis of their orientation, but once here, there is little support for them. They are excluded from their minority rights communities, while lesbian and gay groups avoid ethnic issues.

Byrne identifies a need for non-judgemental student counselling. Even today, gay students are still occasionally referred to psychiatrists in an attempt to persuade them to change their orientation. Sometimes they are advised to acquire partners of the opposite sex. Very often, they get no advice on lesbian and gay groups outside college.

Byrne points out that going to college coincides with the age when many people come out. The need for pastoral care and other support services is vital.

In Ireland, suicide is a major cause of death among young men. Byrne wonders how many young suicides have struggled with their sexual orientation. "Lesbians and gays feel isolated and this can force them into risky behaviours, including alcohol and drug abuse."

RSE programmes should continue after second level into third level, Byrne asserts. "A lot of work needs to be done by student services to help lesbian and gay students." Tutors, lecturers and teaching assistants need training in order to to avoid discrimination. "People don't stop or challenge homophobic remarks in the way they would remarks that are sexist or racist," she notes. Violence against lesbian and gays is under-reported, she believes. Colleges should liaise with the Gardai to encourage reporting.

The inclusion of meterial relating to lesbian and gay issues in the curriculum is also proposed by Byrne. "It would give both gays and heterosexuals a different perspective. There's a fear among some lesbian and gays that being identified as such will be detrimental to their academic progress. They fear discrimination if they study lesbian and gay subjects. At professional level, they feel that they may be turned down for research money or sabaticals if it's known that they are gay."

At staff level, Byrne argues for compassionate leave for partners of lesbian and gays who die, health benefits for homosexuals in long-term relationships, and, if it is available to married couples, access to accommodation. She admits that much discrimination on campuses may be perceived rather than real. The fact that the institutions have failed to clarify issues and take a pro-active stance is a major obstacle. College boards, she says, have a vital role to play in developing policies. "It's not enough to leave gay issues to gay societies."