0. 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

1. 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

2. 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

3. Research as Insight & Intervention

4. 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

5. 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

6. (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

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

8. Biased Language Homophobic comments were most common.
© GLSEN 2014

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Building a Global Knowledge-Base

13. © GLSEN 2014

14. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Contact:
Joe Kosciw
Web:
Twitter: @GLSENResearch
@GLSENEducation
@GLSEN