“Everyone has the right to education, without discrimination on the basis of, and taking into account, their sexual orientation and gender identity” - Yogyakarta Principles, Article 16
Educational institutions play a critical role in eliminating the social breeding ground for homophobia and in providing a safe, secure space for young people to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite notable progress in some parts of the world, the experiences of the LGBT community illustrate that education systems still largely fail to meet these expectations.
Homo'poly aims to contribute towards a better understanding of homosexuality in secondary and tertiary education. Taking a cross-sectoral approach, the project is active in eight countries, working closely with a participating university and secondary school in each. Homo'poly targets students and lecturers at teaching colleges and universities, teachers in secondary education, and students at secondary schools. It is hoped that, as these participating institutions implement, test and evaluate the resources created by the project, a greater understanding of homosexuality will be reached.
Homo’poly aims to help establish an intercultural dialogue on gender equality, with the aim of strengthening acceptance and a better understanding of homosexuality. The project is active in 8 countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Poland and Turkey. Each of these countries brings its own set of approaches towards gender-specific education and upbringing, as well as distinct attitudes towards tolerance, diversity, and homosexuality. By offering and integrating their traditions and experiences, the partner countries will shape a diverse set of products and activities.
Beyond this, Homo'poly looks forward to welcoming you in Leuven, Belgium for two closing events supported by the project: the 2019 LEER Conference on Education Economics (April 4-5) and the Homo'poly End Conference (May 17-18). We hope to see you all there!