LGBTQI Inclusive Education Index: We all have the right to education!

May 17, 2017 marked the 12th annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, drawing attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI people internationally. In the light of that date, IGLYO has launched the indicators of the LGBTQI Inclusive Education Index which will support national governments and civil society organisations to tackle this issue within education.

Everyone has the fundamental right to education. Schools, therefore, should be safe, inclusive and supportive for all learners. This is still not the case for many young people who are, or are perceived to be, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex. 

Bullying based on learners’ actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or variations in sex characteristics remains a serious problem all over Europe, despite some of the significant measures taken to tackle homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and interphobia at school. A lack of guidance or training for teachers to better support LGBTQI students, and the invisibility of LGBTQI people within the school curricula only add to this problem.

IGLYO has been gathering data from civil society organisations and education experts to create the first LGBTQI Inclusive Education Index. This tool will provide an overview of all LGBTQI inclusive strategies in each Council of Europe Member State, highlight good practices and encourage international co-operation. This tool will provide an overview of all LGBTQI inclusive strategies in each Council of Europe Member State, highlight good practices and encourage international co-operation. 

Evidence shows that targeted inclusive interventions within education can make a positive difference. Member states should take appropriate measures to ensure that the right to education can be effectively enjoyed without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. 

Find the online version of the indicators that will be used on the forthcoming LGBTQI Inclusive Education Index HERE.