OBESSU part of IGLYO panel on homophobic bullying
On the 28th of January IGLYO (International Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organization) launched the results of their research on homophobic and transphobic bullying and access to the labour market. The event took place in the European parliament in Brussels and was co-organized by the Youth Intergroup, the Intergroup on LGBT rights and IGLYO.
OBESSU Board Member Ida took part in a panel that aimed to give different perspectives on the area touched by the research. The other panellists included Eleanor Formbry, author of the IGLYO research, MEP Phil Prendergast, Rebeca Sevilla, Equality Coordinator Education International, ETUCE, and George-Konstantinos Charonis, IGLYO.
OBESSU was pleased to get the chance to share our knowledge and expertise as representatives of secondary school students in Europe, and to strengthen our important link to IGLYO with yet another occasion.
In the panel OBESSU pointed out the importance of an educational debate in Europe that would not only focus on educational outcomes and provision of skills but instead on the school environment, well-being and social inclusion in education in general. The IGLYO research showed, not very surprisingly, that LGBTQ young people are affected negatively by bullying or fear of bullying in their education and in future life choices. OBESSU believes education is a part of society, and thus a place where societal norms and stereotypes are being reproduced. This can, however, change and it is in school that we should start breaking down the norms and reconstructing the understanding of sexuality and gender easing some of the misunderstandings towards LGBTQ youth. Concretely, this can be done for instance by getting rid of heteronormativity in teaching material. Proper anti-bullying strategies and peer support system in place are some of the measures that should be taken to combat bullying in education.
At the event IGLYO also launched material linked to the research outcomes; advocacy recommendations and minimum standards to combat homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Written by Ida Kreutzman, OBESSU Board Member
Picture by IGLYO
