Yes, bullying can happen for just about any reason, although it’s important to note that LGBTQ kids report bullying rates higher than the general population of middle and high school students by about an order of magnitude. Looking at it from the other way around, roughly 80% of LGBTQ students report bullying in school that’s significant enough to negatively impact their performance and their mental health.

LGBTQ kids drop out of school because of hostile treatment at rates higher than any other population.

So while plenty of kids experience bullying in school, the problem of bullying uniquely or particularly impacts members of gender and sexual minorities, a reality school policy makers would do well to keep in mind.