Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal access to opportunities and services and their safety should be protected.
However, young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTIQ+) are among the most marginalised and excluded members of society. They are particularly vulnerable to stigma, violence and discrimination, due to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
This can have lasting consequences on their social and psychological health and have substantial adverse effects on society as a whole.
Champions of Change for Gender Equality and Girls’ Rights
Our Champions of Change programme aims to advance gender equality and tackle discrimination by empowering girls and working with boys to challenge harmful, dominant masculinities that perpetuate discrimination and prejudice.
A key element of the programme is to challenge social gender norms, how rigid roles and behaviours are imposed on young people because of their gender, including how dominant forms of masculinity relate to homophobia.
An evaluation of the pilot programme in Latin America, showed that prejudice and homophobia among boys were significantly reduced when they were able to critically discuss LGBTIQ+, gender and masculinity issues in a safe manner with peers. By discussing the causes and consequences of homophobia and see the injustice of certain attitudes, youth are able to commit to rejecting negative attitudes and behaviours.
A newly developed module will allow young people to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity, increase their knowledge about rights and develop their skills to take a stand for and with LGBTIQ+ young people.
Tackling bullying in Thailand's schools
In 2014, Plan International Thailand, UNESCO and the Mahidol University conducted research on homophobic transphobic bullying in secondary schools which highlighted gaps within the educational environment in protecting those who identify as LGBTIQ+.
For example, the research found that 56% of school students who identify as LGBTIQ+ had been bullied in the past month. Among them, 31% experienced physical abuse, 29% verbal abuse and 24% sexual abuse.
This research formed the basis of a three-year programme involving young people, parents, local organisations, schools and the government to prevent bullying and violence and make educational institutions safer for LGBTIQ+ youth.