If people call you names then they might make nasty remarks saying that you are gay, whether you are or not. Rumours and gossip might be spread about you.

You might be picked on in this way because you're quiet, good looking or because you have good friends of the same sex.

If you're being bullied in this way you need to tell your parents and report it to a teacher. Keep a diary of the remarks. If this sort of bullying spills over into violence then it should be reported to the police as a hate crime. Many police forces have specialist units to deal with these incidents.

The people who make these remarks are trying to make you lose your temper so it's best not to respond to the taunts or if you feel you need to, just say, "Whatever".

In many cases the people who are picking on you are projecting their prejudice on to others. They may also hear gay jibes being used at home or by older people who hold outdated attitudes.