The research titled “Attitudes of Teachers towards Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity,” conducted within the scope of the Rainbow Project, funded by the European Union under the Cypriot Civil Society in Action VII Grant Program and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association, has been published and made available online.
The Rainbow Project, funded by the European Union under the Civil Society in Action VII Grant Program and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association, aims to promote LGBTI+ inclusivity in the education and healthcare sectors in the northern part of Cyprus. In this context, the research titled “Attitudes of Teachers towards Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity” conducted under the Rainbow Project has been printed and published online.
The Content and Scope of the Report
In this study, a general attitude scale and an emotion thermometer were used to assess the attitudes of teachers and psychological counsellors and guidance professionals in the northern part of Cyprus towards LGBTI+s, as part of the efforts to create an LGBTI+ inclusive curriculum in the education sector. Additionally, the research included questions about myths surrounding LGBTI+s and particularly about the stigmatization of LGBTI+s in the school environment, as indicators of knowledge. Lastly, demographic characteristics and questions regarding past education and experience on LGBTI+ topics were included. This research was conducted by Prof. Dr. Shenel Hüsnü Raman and research assistants Ziba Sertbay and Kaan Berkan. Data was collected over a period of 3 months in the late months of 2022 by a counseling and research center.
3 in 10 Teachers and Psychological Counselors and Advisors Do Not Have Enough Information About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity!
The findings generally indicate that teachers have relatively more positive attitudes than negative ones. However, it should be noted that 3 in 10 teachers lack sufficient knowledge about LGBTI+ terminology, and more than half are not aware of “legal changes” that have “decriminalized” homosexuality.
Teachers and Psychological Counselor and Guidance Professionals Demand LGBTI+ Awareness Training to Fight Myths!
About half the participants lack clear knowledge on whether sexual orientation can change through therapy or interventions, and nearly half feel uncomfortable discussing LGBTI+ issues. Yet, the most positive note is that over half express a desire for education and knowledge improvement.
Necessity of LGBTI+ Inclusive Policies and “Legal Changes”
When considering the beliefs regarding myths, the discomfort in discussing LGBTI+ issues, and the positive responses regarding the desire to receive education and improve knowledge among teachers and psychological counselors and advisors, it becomes evident that in order to combat prejudice and discrimination against LGBTI+s in schools and ensure its sustainability, inclusive policies for LGBTI+s should be established in schools, and existing local legal text should be amended.
For more information about the report…
To access the full research report, you can visit the “Reports” section on the Queer Cyprus Association’s website through the following link https://www.queercyprus.org/en/2023/09/22/attitudes-of-teachers-towards-sexual-orientation-and-gender-diversity-report/. Additionally, if you prefer a hard copy of the report, you can obtain one by visiting our organization. If you have further questions about the research or would like to get in touch with the association, you can contact us at +90542 858 58 47 or via email at info@queercyprus.org
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