Homophobia in school: Ads are fine, results would be even better

In theory intolerance has no place in school, in practice LGBTQI+ students are still victims of school violence. In early January, Lucas, a 13-year-old schoolboy, took his life, a victim of homophobic harassment. If this tragedy has provoked collective indignation, the means to combat homophony in the school environment do not allow to stem the violence of which many children are still victims.

Homophobia: a mirror school of society

In France, homophobia is worn like an amulet. An IFOP observatory published in 2018 revealed that 53% of LGBTQI+ people had already been victims of homophobic violence. 49% of homosexuals had previously experienced insults, 17% had been victims of physical assaults and more than a quarter had been sexually abused.

School is unfortunately the mirror of our society and 18% of LGBTQI+ students have already been the target of verbal aggression. The suicide of 13-year-old Lucas painfully illustrates a problem well known to public authorities, as the Minister of National Education deplores in the magazine Stubborn :

We know that, compared to heterosexual students, gay and lesbian students are four times more likely to attempt suicide, while it is eleven times more likely for transgender youth. We must improve their acceptance by attacking situations of ridicule, violence and harassment even more forcefully.

Pap Ndiaye, Tetu, February 1, 2023

The (theoretical) fight against school homophobia

In theory, the government is very committed to fighting homophobia and is stepping up measures to curb the scourge. This summer, the prime minister announced the creation of a three million euro fund for the opening of ten new LGBTQI+ centers and the development of the 35 facilities already open in France.

At the national education level, the declarations are related: the Minister of National Education has reaffirmed his willingness to (finally) systematize sex education courses, which have been compulsory since 2001 and yet another circular on the matter has just been published. or non-binary children to be renamed. To go further, Pap Ndiaye wants to generalize discussion, awareness, prevention and action groups in all academies. On 17 May, on the occasion of the World Day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, a major prevention campaign will also be launched:

We will launch a strong awareness campaign on May 17, the international day against homophobia and transphobia. This campaign will focus on welcoming LGBTQI+ students

PAP ndiaye, Têtu, February 1, 2023

Lack of teacher training

Essentially, these resources are just simple instructions that practitioners can choose to apply or not. Although some measures are mandatory, the lack of knowledge in the field hinders their implementation and prevents the evolution of the school world, as the president of the SOS Homophobia association, Lucile Jomat, regrets:

The teachers are not trained and are unable to lecture on the subject. Teachers clearly lack tools. They are not always able to identify harassment issues related to these issues.

Lucile Jomat, president of the SOS Homophobia association, BFM TV, 5 February 2023

In order for you to understand and communicate on this topic, instructions are not enough. Professionals must have mandatory training and appropriate tools. The course dedicated to “sexuality and affective life” which deals specifically with the subject is offered only on a voluntary basis and only 5% of teachers enroll in it. If the specialized associations also have the role of intervening in schools, the impetus must come from a volunteer teacher.

Existing resources for victims of homophobia:

Despite these many announcements, homophobia continues to flourish in schools. However, victims and witnesses of homophobic attacks can turn to associations and listening platforms to find the help and support they need:

• The SOS homophobia association and its helpline are open every day of the week
• The Le Refuge association that helps LGBTQI+ young people
• The government’s listening platform against homophobia