Education Sector Responses to Violence based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression

Many students around the world are denied the right to education because of discrimination and violence, including bullying, in educational institutions. Students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI), and those perceived as not conforming to prevailing sexual or gender norms, are particularly vulnerable. This violence, also referred to as ‘homophobic and transphobic violence’, has been found to reduce school attendance, lead to early school dropout and poorer academic performance and achievement. Homophobic and transphobic violence can also adversely affect young people’s mental and psychological health, which in turn can have a negative impact on their education. Studies have shown clear associations between repeated, long-term homophobic or transphobic violence, and depression. Homophobic and transphobic violence undermines all three dimensions of a human rights-based approach to education – access, quality and respect within the learning environment. The education sector has a duty to respond in order to provide children and young people with a quality education in a safe and secure learning environment.

International model and trans activist, Sarina Thai, introduces the #PurpleMySchool campaign to students from a school in Bangkok. The #PurpleMySchool campaign was a UNESCO and UNDP initiative to create safer spaces for LGBTI students. 

RESOURCES: A selection of research papers, tools and guidelines on homophobic and transphobic bullying

Save the date

#OutInTheOpen International Ministerial Meeting: Education Sector Responses to Homophobic and Transphobic Violence

To coincide with this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, UNESCO will hold an International Ministerial Meeting on Education Sector Responses to Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 17-18 May 2016. This meeting will bring together high-level country representation, including Ministers; as well as representatives from civil society, UN and other multi-lateral agencies, and young people. It will feature the launch of the first UN global report on the status of education sector responses to homophobic and transphobic violence, and a Call for Action by Ministers which affirms commitment to strengthening and scaling up education sector responses to the violence.
More information.

Visit our website  |  Join us on Twitter |  Contact us