Developing a Global Knowledge Base on Homophobic & Transphobic Bullying: Research as Insight and Intervention Joseph Kosciw, PhD Chief Research & Strategy Officer GLSEN European Anti-Bullying Network Conference June 11, 2014

Educational Resources & Training GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), established in 1990, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN is a national non-profit education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We work towards creating that world by conducting research providing curricular resources and training to educators, empowering student leaders (GSAs, Days of Action, eg. Day of Silence, Jump-Start), policy local, state, national, public awareness (e.g. Ad Council Think B4 You Speak) National office in NYC, Policy Office in DC, and over 30 local Chapters across the country. Leading Research Educational Resources & Training Student Leadership Policy Advocacy Public Awareness 35+ Local Chapters © GLSEN 2014

About GLSEN Research GLSEN’s research supports the organization's mission: Documenting incidence of bullying/harassment, especially among at-risk groups like LGBT students Demonstrating the negative effects of bullying/harassment on students’ lives: Mental Health Academic Success Future Career Success Knowledge about what interventions make a difference in school © GLSEN 2014

Research as Insight & Intervention

GLSEN’s Theory of Change Education, Human Rights, Youth Org. Partnerships Knowledge of LGBT Student Experiences Government, District & School Advocacy LGBT-Related Supports in Schools (cont.) Victimization Well-Being Educational Outcomes School Context/Supports Local Change Agents © GLSEN 2014

GLSEN’s Theory of Change Improved Educational Outcomes Improved School Climate for LGBT Students LGBT-Related Supports in Schools Improved Well-Being Improved Attitudes toward LGBT People © GLSEN 2014

(percent reporting Very Often or Often) Safety at School Bullying/harassment of LGBT students one of the most common At your school, how often are students bullied, called names or harassed for the following reasons? (Teacher Reports) (percent reporting Very Often or Often) © GLSEN 2014

Safety at School 71.1% of LGBT students felt unsafe because of at least one personal characteristic. © GLSEN 2014

Biased Language Homophobic comments were most common. © GLSEN 2014

Experiences of Harassment & Assault Sexual orientation and gender expression were the most commonly targeted characteristics. 4 in 5 students were verbally harassed (81.9%) because of their sexual orientation 2 in 5 were physically harassed (38.3%) 1 in 5 were physically assaulted (18.3%) © GLSEN 2014

Student Activities (e.g., GSAs) Teacher Training Student Advocacy Student Experiences School Community/ District State National/ Federal Student Activities (e.g., GSAs) Teacher Training Student Advocacy District Policy Professional Development Anti-Bullying Laws Anti-Discrimination Laws © GLSEN 2014

Research Imperatives General population research on bullying that acknowledges bias-based bullying and understanding of identities. Framing research toward the national context of values re: education Specific research on students most at-risk Increased understanding of bullying prevention programs effective for at-risk groups, such as LGBT students Research on other school supports for at-risk groups Research on policies, regulations and laws re: school climate © GLSEN 2014

Building a Global Knowledge-Base

© GLSEN 2014

Goal of the Convening To strategize how activists and scholars can coordinate our collective resources and knowledge to reduce homophobic and transphobic prejudice and violence in schools. © GLSEN 2014

NGO & Academic Partners – Worldview Copyright 2003-2011 GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. All rights reserved. © GLSEN 2014

NGO & Academic Partners – Worldview Copyright 2003-2011 GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. All rights reserved. © GLSEN 2014

Participants from the Global Network Combating Homophobic and Transphobic Prejudice and Violence in Schools © GLSEN 2014

Multiple Frameworks Rights to an Education Human Rights HIV/AIDS Education & Prevention © GLSEN 2014

Future Areas/Needs Develop LGBT Education Resource Hub; Comparative (and Nationally Useful) School Climate Research Public Opinion Campaigns Government Policies © GLSEN 2014

Key Allies Teacher Unions Ministries of Education Ministries of Child Welfare/Development UN Organizations (particularly UNESCO) © GLSEN 2014

Contact: Joe Kosciw Email: jkosciw@glsen.org Web: www.glsen.org Twitter: @GLSENResearch @GLSENEducation @GLSEN