IDAHOBIT2020 campaign: the importance of education on LGBTIQ topics in schools
Why is education on LGBTIQ topics in schools important?
School is one of the key environments for socialisation where children and youngsters develop their competencies and establish relationships with peers and adults. In order enable that; it is crucial that schools are spaces that are safe, stimulating and supportive. This is especially a challenge in context of young lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people who face stigma, discrimination and marginalization and often various forms of violence
Defamatory speech and violence against the LGBTI youth in schools
LGBTI persons face discrimination and violence in various areas of social life, including the education system. Preliminary results of the Survey on the Experience of Discrimination, Hate Crimes and Violence against LGBTIQ Persons in Croatia (Zagreb Pride, 2019) confirm that more than 60% of respondents experienced discrimination at school, at work or in contact with state institutions such as the police, judiciary and health in the period from 2013 to 2019.
Coercion of young persons into hiding their LGBTI identity
Due to the fear from violence and rejection, LGBTI persons often hide their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, which brings along many other problems. Hiding, being constantly on alert, and disrupted social contacts - lead to increased loneliness and stress. The research European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2019.) showed that 4% of young people in Croatian schools are open about their LGBTI identity, while 33% are somewhat open/hiding, and 63% are entirely hiding their sexual identity and/or gender identity.
Providing appropriate support to LGBTIQ youngsters in schools
Every young person has the right to education without fear of condemnation, violence and/or discrimination. Safe school environment is an important foundation for students' psychosocial and professional development. Therefore, all relevant actors in the field of education should be actively involved in ensuring an inclusive and anti-discriminatory educational system. National policies and programs in Croatia recognise the importance of protecting youngsters from abuse and of ensuring safe school environment. However, specific programmes and guidelines directly aimed at the protection of LGBTI youth and combating homo/bi/transphobia in schools are non-existent.