Building a global understanding of LGBTQ youth and schools: Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

School-based bullying and harassment against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students are issues of public health importance, and in fact, UNESCO has identified homophobic and transphobic bullying as a major international crisis, and has articulated a need for more research on the experiences of LGBTQ students globally, particularly in developing countries. This is part of a strategy to promote greater action and more coordinated efforts to address anti-LGBTQ bullying in schools between ministries of education and other education stakeholders, including civil society, parents, and students.
Although research on the experience of LGBTQ students has been conducted in multiple social contexts, we have little comparative research in this field. Having comparative research on the experiences of LGBTQ students contributes to the further development of scholarship and sheds light on how this population is served in different social contexts and educational systems, and, in turn, points to best practices and possibilities. This symposium expands our understanding of LGBTQ youth by examining their educational experiences regarding school safety and the role of LGBTQ-related supports from three global regions. Paper 1 examines the role of peer, community, and family support for Chinese LGBTQ students. Paper 2 examines the utility of educator supports for LGBTQ students in four Latin American countries. Paper 3 examines the effects of anti-LGBTQ victimization on mental health and the role of educator supports for LGBTQ students in Ukraine.

Sub Unit

• Sex, Gender

Chair

• Joseph G. Kosciw, GLSEN

Individual Presentations

• Family, school or community, which matters? Social support and mental health of Chinese LGBTQ students - Presenting Author: Chongzheng Wei, University of California - Santa Barbara; Non-Presenting Author: Tania Israel, University of California, Santa Barbara; Non-Presenting Author: Wenli Liu, Beijing Normal University

• School Support and Absenteeism Among LGBTQ Students in Four Latin American Countries - Presenting Author: Juan Pablo Delgado, Amicus DH

• Impact of Ukrainian LGBTQI Students’ Victimization at School on Academic Outcomes and Future Educational Aspirations - Presenting Author: Roman Ivasiy, Georgia State University