European Trade Union Committee for Education

ETUCE is committed to strengthen the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. In particular, ETUCE combats homophobia and transphobia in the education sector; that is at school, in education institutions and universities, and supports its member organisation in their activities in this field. As an education trade union, ETUCE focuses on supporting teachers and other education personnel including anti-discrimination and anti-bullying strategies for LGBTI students and their families. In this respect, ETUCE adopted the ´Joint Declaration to combat homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools, in workplaces and in society´ together with ETUC and ILGA-EUROPE, with the view to advocating for safe, healthy and inclusive learning and working environments for all.

The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) celebrates IDAHOT (The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) by preparing the 2nd EU-LGBTI Survey. It will be carried out online and will collect data on the experiences of LGBTI people. The results will help strengthen EU’s anti-discrimination legislation from an inclusive LGBTI perspective.

This year, IDAHOT 2018, 17 May, is focused on “Alliances for Solidarity” and will particularly spotlight:

1. Strengthening alliances, with a view to promote safe working and learning environments, fight violence, lobby for legal change, and to continue raising awareness on the issue.
2. Alliances should also highlight the necessity for sexual and gender minorities to be allies to other vulnerable groups (e.g. migrants and other vulnerable people).

From the teachers’ perspective, several arguments encourage teachers worldwide to take action, among others: 1) The stigma, discrimination and bullying children suffer goes against their right to education; 2) Students who are different from the majority gender norm suffer most from violence in schools; and 3) Homo/transphobia is an entry point to tackle sex/gender-based violence in schools. Teachers can take a stand and act now to celebrate sexual and gender diversities.

ETUCE, in the framework of the EU CONVINCE project, addresses in a specific section of the initiative on how to inclusively teach controversial and sensitive topics in schools with a sense of respect, equality and democracy, including LGBTI rights and sexual diversity issues.

Material for campaigners and supporters to celebrate the IDAHOT can be downloaded here.

Likewise, IDAHOT posters 2018 are available for download here.