Supporting LGBTQIA Youth at Schools

There is concerning evidence that LGBTQIA students at educational institutions often suffer bullying because of their gender identity and/or sexuality. Besides, research indicates that educators regularly fail to take action in the face of anti-LGBT bias and are often not equipped to address these issues. This may lead to several negative consequences for them, from bad academic performance to mental health issues. The good news is that there are things that teachers and schools can do to help LGBTQIA kids to face these issues and be true allies.

In this course you will explore practical ways in which you can create a welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQIA young people in your classes. You will learn about using welcoming symbols, developing positive relationships with them, promoting their healthy relationships with other members of the school community by using inclusive language always, like the use of their chosen pronouns. You will also discuss how to challenge homophobia and transphobia in the classroom or the playground. You will be encouraged to liaise with rainbow families who already belong to the school community as well as with LGBTQIA support groups and associations to both include them in the school community and build a climate of support around the LGBTQIA students.

By the end of the course, you will be able to create a safer environment for your LGBTQIA students by implementing concrete strategies that build respect, trust and care for all equally. Hence, you will become a visible ally for the LGBTQIA community at your school and will model this positive role for other teachers, students and staff alike.

We moved the course from Santiago de Compostela in Spain to Faro in Portugal so we can collaborate que the local LGBTIQA+ collective aeQuum. We think doing our course in their centre and collaborate with them will enrich the experience.

Venue: Faro, Portugal

Language: English

More information: https://www.pegasusteacheracademy.com/lgbtqiaerasmus