The publications are: La violencia homofóbica y transfóbica en el ámbito escolar en Latinoamérica: hacia centros educativos inclusivos y seguros and El bullying homofóbico y transfóbico en centros educativos: taller de sensibilización para su prevención (Guía de facilitación) (Homophobic and transphobic violence in school settings in Latin America: towards safe and inclusive educational establishments and Homophobic and transphobic bullying in educational establishments: awareness workshop for its prevention (Facilitation Guide). These texts aim to support teachers and educational authorities in addressing homophobic and transphobic violence from a human rights approach, as well as to support the development of comprehensive and inclusive strategies. 

Homophobic and transphobic violence in educational establishments has become a worldwide problem that has negative effects on the health and development of boys, girls, and adolescents. These effects have an impact at the educational level both in personal and collective contexts, depriving those affected of their right to an inclusive and quality education based on human rights, and therefore, respect for diversity. 

This type of violence, motivated by perceived or real sexual orientation or gender identity/expression affects the entire school population, disrupting in the school environment and in the affecting the development of individuals and their academic performance.  It has a documented effect on, thereby influencing whether they remain in school.  

Mary Guinn Delaney, regional specialist in Health and HIV Education from the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, explains the reason for these publications: “Currently, and ever more frequently, educational authorities face problems of homophobic and transphobic violence carried out inside and outside schools that proves difficult for them to work against in many cases. The issue is often not the lack of willingness of teachers and educational authorities, but rather a lack of information and supporting resources that allow them to properly handle this type of situation.” 

A worldwide problem with a global report
In some countries, 85% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are victims of homophobic and transphobic violence at school, and 45% of transgender students drop out of school. 33% of students who do not belong to the collective LGBT group, but who do not conform to gender norms, are also the target of homophobic violence. 

These are the main conclusions from another publication that is being launched this week: Out in The Open, a global report about education sector responses to violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The report, which was created by UNESCO for the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, reveals the nature, scope, and impact of violence. It also analyzes the status of the responses that the education sector is providing for this phenomenon and makes recommendations for future action. 

The report is presented within the framework of the international education ministerial meeting held at the UNESCO Paris Headquarters on May 17^th and 18^th, which represents the most important top-level meeting convened for denouncing homophobic and transphobic violence in education. 

Furthermore, the report presents the first global synthesis of data about violence due to sexual orientation or gender identity and its expression in educational establishments, and it adds responses provided by education sectors in different regions. Even though data does not exist from all countries, the text draws the conclusion that homophobic and transphobic violence has a significant impact on education, employment prospects, health, and the wellbeing of students. 

UNESO recommends that the response from the education sector be respectful of rights, focused on the student, and inclusive and participatory in nature. It also advises for it to be appropriate to the age of the students at hand and their contexts and specific cultures. 

On May 18^th, ministers from various countries and leaders from civil society and other multilateral organizations will make a call for action to combat homophobic and transphobic violence which this report is highlighting. It will be the first time that such a call for action is made at this level. 

****

Download

• La violencia homofóbica y transfóbica en el ámbito escolar en Latinoamérica: hacia centros educativos inclusivos y seguros (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago)
• El bullying homofóbico y transfóbico en centros educativos: taller de sensibilización para su prevención (Guía de facilitación) (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago)
• Out in The Open. Executive report in English and French