The Queer Cyprus Association has released the research titled “Attitudes of Teachers towards Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity,”.
According to a statement by the Association, the research 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 Association,
The Content and Scope of the Report
In the 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.
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.
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.
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