FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2009

SURVEY SHOWS STUDENTS FEEL UNSAFE AT SCHOOL

EGALE ASKS EDUCATORS TO GEAR UP FOR CHANGE

Toronto: The recently completed first phase of Egale’s First National Climate Survey on Homophobia and Transphobia in Canadian Schools reveals that three quarters of self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students who participated feel unsafe at school. As the first of its kind in Canada, the survey paints a bleak image of Canadian public schools for LGBTQ students.

The results of the survey indicate that LGBTQ students are exposed to high levels of homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools as well as that they encounter multiple obstacles preventing them from seeking advice or assistance from their educators or administrators. Over half of LGBTQ participants do not feel accepted at school and over a quarter of them have skipped class because of concerns about their safety. The situation is even worse for trans participants: 95% feel unsafe at school and almost half had skipped school because of it.

"More encouraging is the fact that the LGBTQ students surveyed feel significantly safer in schools that have strong anti-homophobia policies," said Dr. Catherine Taylor, the study's principal investigator and member of Egale's Education Committee. "We need to take the logical next step and develop policies to tackle transphobia as well, because youth are suffering in their absence."

The survey was launched in 2007 and nearly 1700 responses from participants from cities, small towns, rural areas, reserves, and armed forces bases in every province and territory of the country have been collected. The report provides a clear portrayal of the situation for LGBTQ students and sets the groundwork for positive change in Canadian schools.

The report’s recommendations include the implementation of anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia policies as well as school board support for Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs, which connect LGBTQ students and allies with the aim of creating safe and inclusive school environments. The report also proposes actions on the part of provincial Ministries of Education and School Boards to help create, assess, and enforce policies regarding LGBTQ issues.

Phase Two of the report is currently underway and will be released later this year.

More information:
Helen Kennedy, 416-270-1999

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Advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada