Research Unit

 
 
 
 

Findings from the Classroom

The Findings from the Classroom report (2021) examines what barriers exist and what supports may help teachers in supporting LGBTI+ students in their classrooms and schools.

We listened to 174 teachers across 12 countries.

 
 

Key findings include:

There is a lack of tools from a legitimate source to facilitate the planning and delivery of contents, despite huge interest and urgency.

There were five main barriers that teachers discussed: people, social & cultural, practical, knowledge and skills for implementation, and policies & curriculum.

 

Whether through general or specific means, the majority of teachers in this survey did include LGBTI+ topics when teaching about bullying and harassment. The most common way was through the broad themes of diversity and respect for all people.

Less than one in four (22.1%) teachers stated that they had training on LGBTI+ topics. However, teachers who were trained on LGBTI+ topics were nearly four times more likely to rate their knowledge of gender identity topics as excellent, when compared to teachers who had not received training. 

 

Only one in four (28.6%) teachers have an anti-discrimination policy at their school level that specifically covers LGBTI+ students.

Teachers discussed the need for affinity spaces or clubs that reassured students that it is okay to be authentic.

 

Recommendations

  1. Provide comprehensive training to support students 

  2. Utilize the Global Center’s Teacher Resource Pack

  3. Draft an action plan

Engage with us and share what it was like to use this research. Through this dialogue, we can create a global network of teachers who are moving toward a future where all students are free and equal.

 
 

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