Developing a Global Knowledge Base on Homophobic & Transphobic Bullying: Research as Insight and Intervention Joseph Kosciw, PhD Chief Research & Strategy Officer GLSEN European Anti-Bullying Network Conference June 11, 2014
Developing a Global Knowledge Base on Homophobic & Transphobic Bullying: Research as Insight and Intervention
Joseph Kosciw, PhDChief Research & Strategy OfficerGLSEN
European Anti-Bullying Network ConferenceJune 11, 2014
© GLSEN 2014
GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), established in 1990, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.
GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
• Leading Research
• Educational Resources & Training
• Student Leadership
• Policy Advocacy
• Public Awareness
• 35+ Local Chapters
© GLSEN 2014
About GLSEN Research
GLSEN’s research supports the organization's mission:
● Documenting incidence of bullying/harassment, especially among at-risk groups like LGBT students
● Demonstrating the negative effects of bullying/harassment on students’ lives:
Mental Health Academic Success Future Career Success
● Knowledge about what interventions make a difference in school
Research as Insight & Intervention
GLSEN’s Theory of Change
Knowledge of LGBT Student Experiences
Government, District & School
Advocacy
Local Change Agents
LGBT-Related Supports in
Schools
• Victimization
• Well-Being
• Educational Outcomes
• School Context/Supports
Education, Human Rights,
Youth Org. Partnerships
(cont.)
© GLSEN 2014
GLSEN’s Theory of Change
LGBT-Related Supports in
Schools
Improved School Climate for LGBT
Students
Improved Attitudes toward
LGBT People
Improved Educational Outcomes
Improved Well-Being
© GLSEN 2014
Safety at SchoolBullying/harassment of LGBT students one of the most common
© GLSEN 2014
Their religion
Their ability at school
Their family does not have a lot of money
Their race/ethnicity
How masculine or feminine they are
They are or people think they are gay, lesbian or bisexual
The way they look or their body size
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
1%
3%
3%
6%
8%
17%
33%
At your school, how often are students bullied, called names or harassed for the following reasons? (Teacher Reports)
(percent reporting Very Often or Often)
© GLSEN 2014
Safety at School
71.1% of LGBT students felt unsafe because of at least one personal characteristic.
Biased LanguageHomophobic comments were most common.
© GLSEN 2014
© GLSEN 2014
Experiences of Harassment & AssaultSexual orientation and gender expression were the most commonly targeted characteristics.
• 4 in 5 students were verbally harassed (81.9%) because of their sexual orientation
• 2 in 5 were physically harassed (38.3%)
• 1 in 5 were physically assaulted (18.3%)
© GLSEN 2014
Student Experiences
School
Community/ District
State
National/ Federal
Student Activities (e.g., GSAs)
Teacher Training
Student Advocacy
District Policy
Professional Development
Anti-Bullying Laws
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Research Imperatives
• General population research on bullying that acknowledges bias-based bullying and understanding of identities.
• Framing research toward the national context of values re: education
• Specific research on students most at-risk
• Increased understanding of bullying prevention programs effective for at-risk groups, such as LGBT students
• Research on other school supports for at-risk groups
• Research on policies, regulations and laws re: school climate
© GLSEN 2014
Building a Global Knowledge-Base
© GLSEN 2014
Goal of the Convening
To strategize how activists and scholars can coordinate our collective resources and knowledge to reduce homophobic and transphobic prejudice and violence in schools.
© GLSEN 2014
Copyright 2003-2011 GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. All rights reserved.
NGO & Academic Partners – Worldview
© GLSEN 2014
Copyright 2003-2011 GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. All rights reserved.
NGO & Academic Partners – Worldview
© GLSEN 2014
© GLSEN 2014
Participants from the Global Network Combating Homophobic and Transphobic Prejudice and Violence in Schools
Multiple Frameworks
© GLSEN 2014
1) Rights to an Education
2) Human Rights
3) HIV/AIDS Education & Prevention
Future Areas/Needs
© GLSEN 2014
• Develop LGBT Education Resource Hub;
• Comparative (and Nationally Useful) School Climate Research
• Public Opinion Campaigns
• Government Policies
Key Allies
© GLSEN 2014
1) Teacher Unions
2) Ministries of Education
3) Ministries of Child Welfare/Development
4) UN Organizations (particularly UNESCO)
Contact:Joe Kosciw
Email: [email protected]: www.glsen.orgTwitter: @GLSENResearch
@GLSENEducation@GLSEN