Sheffield Institute of Education was commissioned to carry out research into the barriers and bullying faced by LGBT young people in education and employment across Europe. We presented our findings at a launch event held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The research requirement

In February 2013, we submitted a tender to investigate the impact of homophobic and transphobic bullying on education and employment in Europe. The research was to be carried out for the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation. IGLYO is an umbrella network that brings together LGBTQ youth and student organisations in Europe and beyond. The organisation works towards a world where young people are able to express and define their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression without discrimination, violence or hatred. Aware of our research credentials and deep understanding of the inclusion agenda, IGLYO commissioned Sheffield Institute of Education to undertake this important project.

Our approach

Eleanor Formby of the Institute's Centre for Education and Inclusion Research (CEIR) designed an online survey targeted at a range of different countries spread across Europe – Croatia, Denmark, Ireland, Italy and Poland. The research was intended to extend existing literature that often focuses on bullying experiences in terms of impacts on mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The findings of the study drew on 187 responses that the survey received. While the relatively small sample size means that results cannot be generalised or disaggregated by region, the research highlights a range of issues to be considered in future service planning and further research.

Our findings and recommendations

The study results highlight the potential impacts of bullying and discrimination on young LGBTQ people's education and employment opportunities. These impacts – loss of confidence, isolation, attendance or participation problems, lack of motivation or concentration – can result in real academic and social disadvantage.

• 73% experienced name-calling
• 47% experienced threats or intimidation
• one in three thought about suicide as a result of bullying

Respondents reported instances of prejudice and harassment – not just from peers, but also from teachers, family members and more broadly within society. At the same time, the study found that fear of prejudice could sometimes be as significant and influential as actual experiences of discrimination.

Some young people either reported positive experiences, or told us that discrimination and bullying had motivated them to succeed – nine out of 10 said their experiences hadn't affected their educational aspirations. It's therefore important not to portray LGBT young people as victims, meaning that a ‘one size fits all' approach to support isn't suitable.

The report makes a number of recommendations for LGBTQ organisations and individuals working with young people to consider in future service planning, including:

• adopting inclusive education practices, for example offering non-stigmatising sex education appropriate for LGBTQ young people
• making appropriate support available to those who need it, particularly in the workplace
• providing school and university-based LGBTQ support services, and facilitate peer support
• providing accessible online information for LGBTQ young people about education, social, and employment-related issues
• promoting LGBTQ awareness and inclusive practice among professionals working with young people
• conducting further research, eg examining the experiences and needs of trans young people specifically.

"We are seeing people losing confidence, feeling isolated or struggling to achieve their goals as a result of discrimination, which isn't always bullying among peers, but also includes teacher and employer prejudice... more needs to be done to make schools inclusive environments for all young people, and to improve general awareness about LGBTQ lives and identities."
Eleanor Formby, CEIR

A high-profile launch

The study was launched at the European Parliament by MEP Michael Cashman – Labour's human rights spokesman in Brussels, and co-president of the LGBT Rights Intergroup – and Spanish MEP Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, chair of the Youth Intergroup.

Eleanor presented her findings to an audience of NGO representatives and European Parliament members of staff, who then discussed how to tackle the issue of homophobic and transphobic bullying. There is much to be done: very few of the study participants had LGBT advice or support offered to them in school, employment or youth work settings.

"This important report proves that discrimination kills, literally and spiritually. It is a timely reminder... that we need to do more, not less, when it comes to ending the bullying, defamation, and discrimination which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face on a daily basis."
Michael Cashman MEP

Sheffield Institute of Education is proud to be associated with this important piece of research. We fully support IGLYO's vision of a world where LGBT young people can participate without limitation and rise to their full potential. And we are committed to building an inclusion agenda into education, for the benefit of society as a whole.

"IGLYO will use this research to demonstrate the widespread problem of homophobic and transphobic bullying, and then we will present the approaches that prove effective in tackling bullying. It is up to policy makers to take the next steps."
Jordan Long – Programmes and policy officer, IGLYO