May 9, 2008

St. Johns: Results just released from the first phase of Egale Canada’s National Survey on homophobia and transphobia in Canadian Schools reveal that over two-thirds of those students who identified as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and Two-Spirit, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) feel unsafe at school. Almost half have had rumours spread about them at school and close to a third have had rumours spread about them on the internet or through text messages.

"Based on those who self-identified as LGBTQ and who were enrolled in school in the last year, 41 per cent had been sexually harassed compared to 19 per cent of those who identified as straight," said Dr. Catherine Taylor of the University of Winnipeg and the survey’s principal investigator. "This figure is shocking. Homophobia and transphobia is linked to poor performance in school, drop-out rates and teen suicides."

The survey was launched in December of last year and so far has heard from over 1,200 participants from cities, small towns, rural areas, reserves, armed forces bases in every province and territory of the country. It is the first survey of its kind in Canada.

Lesbian, gay, bi, trans and Two-Spirit, queer and questioning participants reported feeling unsafe on school buses, in the gym, changing rooms, the cafeteria under stairwells and in hallways. Over a quarter reported being physically harassed because of their orientation and fewer than half felt comfortable talking to their parents about the issue.

"The Vancouver School Division is to be commended for taking the lead and piloting the survey this spring with their Grade 10 classes," said Noble Kelly, chair of Egale’s education committee, "we anticipate more boards from across the country to implement it in the fall."

"We may have human rights for LGBTQ people in Canada, but you’d never know it based on these results," Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada says.

Egale Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified people and their families across the country.

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More information:
Helen Kennedy, 416-270-1999

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Egale Canada ©2008

Advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada