Homophobic and transphobic bullying within the school community in Cyprus: a thematic analysis of school professionals’, parents’ and children’s experiences

ABSTRACT

This study presents findings from qualitative research conducted as part of the European Commission supported HOMBAT (Combating HOMophoBic And Transphobic bullying in schools) project in Cyprus. Thematic analysis was used to analyse extracts of interviews from three focus groups: two groups with professionals who work in primary and secondary education as teachers, school psychologists and school counsellors; and one group with parents and children attending primary and secondary education in Cyprus. Findings from the study reveal how homophobic and transphobic bullying is becoming more visible in schools and both school staff and children frequently witness incidents of bullying on the basis of differing sexual and gender identity/self-expression. Professionals report having a sense of powerlessness to combat homophobic and transphobic bullying within the school community. Implications for practice that link to school professionals’ needs are explored and discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Cyprus
• homophobia
• transphobia
• bullying
• schools

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author. The contents of this publication are sole responsibility of the author, and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

2. FRA is the European Union Agency for Fundamental Human Rights.

3. Accept LGBT Cyprus is an organisation that fights for LGBT rights and the elimination of all discrimination against the LGBT community in Cyprus. http://www.acceptcy.org/en

4. CARDET is the Centre for the Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology which is based in Cyprus. https://www.cardet.org/

5. KMOP - Social Action and Innovation Centre is a Greek non-profit organisation. http://www.kmop.gr/index.php/el/

Additional information

Funding

ΗΟΜΒΑΤ project has been funded with support from the European Commission [Project No. 764746].