This week GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) kicks off No Name-Calling Week.  With support from corporate partners like Barnes & Noble, Cartoon Network, Allstate, McDonalds and more, it's clear that name-calling and other forms of bullying is a real issue.   In 2009, GLSEN's National School Survey cited that 84.6% of LGBT students had been  bullied.    This is not, however, just an issue for individuals whose gender or sexual orientation isn't the norm.  Bullying can occur over body type, race, ethnicity, disabilities, grades, or just about anything else that makes someone different.  

Some of the Transcending Boundaries organizers were victims of bullying growing up.  We wanted to share our experiences and reinforce why it is so critical that events like this exist and are part of mainstream curriculum. 

Melissa, Lisa and Laurel were kind enough to share their stories about being bullied growing up.  If you would like to share your story, please leave a comment.  We'd love to discuss this important issue.

Melissa was bullied beginning in second grade up through 11th grade with the worst parts occurring in the 6th-9th grades.  Other students made fun of her appearance, clothing and made references to her sexuality and intelligence.  She experienced acts of physical violence, such as being shoved into doorways and being punched on the bus.  

Her school administration suggested she simply avoid one person responsible for the bullying, which later led the bullying student to declare the principal favored her and she could continue her behavior.  Later a teacher assigned Melissa to work with a student who was harassing her as a way to "work out their problems".  Often bullying behaviors were written off as normal child's play, despite the destructive environment it was creating.  The bullying left her feeling alienated and even suicidal.  

The bullying lessened as Melissa found friends in the geek circles in and outside of school and being in classes with older kids who didn't know her.  Still today, she notices behaviors that recall her past being bullied, such as being hesitant to join in informal social gatherings and a sensitivity to criticism.

Lisa was bullied from elementary school through high school.  At first she was bullied for having unpopular friends, being introverted, crying easily and being "too smart".  When puberty began she was teased for developing too early.  

At the age of 13 an excess of androgens caused her body to go through a male-like puberty.  Classmates verbally abused her for appearing too masculine.  The changes in her body alongside worsening mental health problems made her a target for bullies.  She fought with her parents to avoid going to school and missed a number of days trying to avoid the harassment.  The bullying led her to feel she was unattractive and sexually unappealing.  

In high school Lisa was able to use the schools newly formed sexual harassment policy to help abate the bullying.  Still, she has trouble seeing her body in a positive way because of her experiences.

Laurel was also bullied for most of her school years.  In elementary school she was the 'baby' being one of the youngest in the class and more interested in reading that playing games.  When she changed from a small Catholic school to much larger public school, her reputation for being a 'geek' continued.  Teasing about her appearance, gender and sexuality were common.  

Laurel did not discuss the issue with her school administration, having been told by her parents and teachers it was simply a part of growing up, and things would be easier the next year.  She found solace in the science club and a few friends who also were bullied for their body types, expression, or ability.

Eventually she learned to embrace being a bit different, even sewing the word "freak" onto her backpack.  Although the teasing was hurtful it helped her find like-minded community outside of school and when she went to college.  Still, Laurel is shy and overly cautious about social norms.

Were you bullied?  How did it effect you at the time?  How does it effect you now?  Why do you think bullies act in the ways they do?