Make Education Inclusive: Combating SOGIE Bullying

Written by- Charu Gupta (2nd year) Department Of Applied Psychology

“A silent bystander is as guilty as the criminal.”

The concept of bullying has been instilled in us since childhood. We have been told to stop harassment immediately whenever witnessed. It is part of our morals. However, it is also interesting how our elders, who taught us the same, turn away the moment it is an issue they never had to face themselves. And who's to say that we are any different? When was the last time you intervened when you witnessed wrongful actions being directed at someone?

The place where we are taught this concept is the same place where most cases of bullying and harassment are reported- Schools and other learning spaces. Anyone not fitting society's definition of normal becomes an outcast. Any feature that is not in the textbooks is considered weird. We are asked to stand out but are stifled the moment we do. "Fit in," they say, "don't try to be so unique." How can one fit in when one is born different? Why should one try to change themselves to suit other's standards of normal? Why does one's race, gender, religion, caste, or sexuality concern someone else in the first place?

"Why should my identity, my existence, please you?"

SOGIE and Related Violence

Bullying is not just name-calling or teasing, it is much more. It is not just an innocent prank, it is someone coming at you with the deliberate intention of hurting you, repetitively. And while the authorities now protect a lot of minorities from the "normal" majority, there are still many whose voices are left unheard.

"There is nothing more exhausting than arriving at the place where I should learn and grow only to be looked down upon."

SOGIE, meaning Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/ Expression is a term referring commonly to the ways one identifies and expresses their gender, including self-image and appearance. This can include the way one talks, dresses, or their personal interests and hobbies. Everyone has their own way to embrace their individuality.

But what about those who can't live with themselves because of others? Violence and intimidation to establish social dominance is known as bullying. Violence and intimidation based on learned prejudices that privilege heterosexuality (including traditional gender social norms) is known as SOGIE violence.

Figure 1: Settings where SOGIE violence occurs. (Image source: UNESCO)

Schools Becoming Danger Zones

Bullying and harassment at school are more common among LGBTQ+ adolescents than among their straight counterparts (Kann et al., 2016; Abreu & Kenny, 2018; Kosciw et al., 2020). And so are the suicide rates (up to 26.1% per annum in India).

Sahodaran, a community-based organisation in Chennai, conducted a study on SOGIE bullying and discrimination faced by school students with the assistance of UNESCO. Majority of the participants acknowledged SOGIE-related bullying in schools in the forms of:

● physical bullying

● verbal taunts

● social humiliation and isolation

● sexual harassment

● forced sex.

For some youth, accessing washrooms during school hours became unsafe, as they were the hotspots of bullying where sexual harassment by male co-students wasn’t rare. Fear of negative repercussions prevented many from reporting these instances. In one case, a trans youth shared that she was physically assaulted by her peers after complaining to school authorities (Menon, Chakrapani & Jadav, 2019).Regularly facing homophobic or sexist slurs by peers over the “lack of masculinity” became a common phenomenon for many(Kumar, Gill & Verma, 2023).

Most of the survey participants reported that co-students acted as bystanders and watched “the drama.” In case anyone did intervene and help, they’d be stigmatised and cornered by the bullies too.

Figure 2: Participants’ responses to who bullied them. (Image source: UNESCO)

Out of the total sample, 18% reported the incidents to school authorities, and among those, a little over half said that the authorities at least responded. Although these “solutions” advised the victims to either change their mannerisms to avoid being bullied or just ignore it. Rarely ever was any disciplinary action against the bullies taken.

Those who reported the issue to their parents, got the same response as the school, -change the behaviour or ignore the bullying. As a result, most of the victims suffered in silence without telling anyone with only a few resisting the perpetrators.

The Grave Impact

The severity of the bullying had significant psychological effects on the victims, naturally. A large majority reported experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as difficulty concentrating in their studies (70% each). Nearly three-quarters reduced their social interactions with fellow students. A significant number noticed a decline in their academic performance, while slightly over half (53%) admitted to skipping classes. About one-third discontinued school altogether (Menon, Chakrapani & Jadav, 2019).

It is interesting how this study, published in 2019, is the most recent assessment of the issue done by the authorities in India. Historically, India had a more inclusive view of gender and sexual diversity, as noted in ancient texts frequently. However, colonial rule introduced punitive laws against same-sex relationships, successfully laying the groundwork for stigma and discrimination (as they did with everything). That one step taken backwards set off a domino effect and now, even after the support of the Indian Psychiatric Association (IPS) on homosexuality not being a disorder and the decriminalisation of same sex relations under section 377, SOGIE violence remains as prevalent as ever.

Researchers have found that a significant population of young adults suffering with depression and suicidal tendencies are from the LGBTQ community who have experienced harassment in early stages of life, that is, school (Nolle, et al., 2018). And the rise in mental health issues during and after covid hasn’t exempted anyone living in a stigmatised community.

Educational establishments lack policies to protect LGBTQ+ students, and the absence of awareness and training among educators continues the abuse and torment. There is only an increase in feelings of fear, isolation, and vulnerability, augmenting severe mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Since school students aren’t taken seriously in these matters due to their young age, many suffer in silence, unable to seek support or justice. One is expected to know what to do with their entire life by this age, but not how they feel.

The Asia Pacific Consultation, 2015

SOGIE violence in schools has gained significant ground over the years within the United Nations, with the former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon calling bullying a “moral outrage, a grave violation of human rights,” urging countries to take action to prevent violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

UNESCO's three-year project "Education and Respect for All: Preventing and Addressing Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying in Educational Institutions" strengthened evidence generation and advocacy across Asia.

Through these initiatives, the Asia-Pacific regional offices of UNESCO and UNDP hosted the first ever Asia-Pacific Consultation on “School Bullying on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)” in June 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective was to broaden awareness and understanding on the issue, and figure out effective responses.

Image source: UNESCO

“We need to recognise all of the communities, but slowly, and by making the government and institutions understand the issue and change their minds.” - Dr. Saroj Yadav (Dean and Project Coordinator, Adolescence Education Programme, NCERT, India.)

Interventions

The Asia Pacific Consultation deemed the following suggestions practical to make a difference.

Relevant School Policies and Infrastructure:

• Inclusive School Policies: Anti-bullying policies should explicitly mention SOGIE as a protected category, such as, "Bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated."

• Gender-Neutral Facilities: Schools can create gender-neutral bathrooms and changing facilities to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. For instance, a school in Australia introduced gender-neutral restrooms to accommodate students who do not identify strictly as male or female.

• Dedicated Counselling Services and Safe Spaces: Schools can employ counsellors trained in SOGIE issues to provide support to affected students, offering individual and group therapy.

Changes in Curriculum and Training for Educators:

• Professional Development Workshops: Workshops can be organised to educate the staff about SOGIE issues and effective intervention strategies.

• Reviewing educational materials: SOGIE topics can be incorporated into existing subjects like health education or social studies. Textbooks and teaching materials can be reviewed for bias or inaccuracies regarding the topic.

Awareness-Raising Initiatives:

• Campaigns and Community Partnerships: Schools can collaborate with local LGBTQ+ organisations to provide support and launch campaigns during events like Pride Month, etc. to promote awareness of SOGIE issues. For instance, a school might partner with a local LGBTQ+ centre to offer workshops for students and parents on inclusivity and support. Social media can be leveraged for the same.

• Access to Legal Support: Providing information about legal rights and resources plays a huge role in empowerment. Schools may host informational sessions with legal experts to educate families about their rights regarding discrimination.

• Surveys and Assessments: Regular, timely assessments to note the prevalence of SOGIE related bullying can be conducted via anonymous surveys to reform policies.

Current Position of the Issue in the Indian Society

Earlier, homosexuality was viewed as a disorder. When Section 377 was struck down in 2018, the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) presented its support by announcing homosexuality as normal with neither anything deviant, nor as an illness. After that however, a full stop has been placed in the file. Any progress to implement protection against violence and harassment of community members remains stagnant. There hasn’t been any research or advancements made since.

As a result, society’s attitudes towards homosexuality as a foreign disease hasn’t changed much. And how can it be when those with considerable influence on the public, including political leaders and celebrities, speak openly on the issue without any thorough knowledge. We can easily assume them to be part of the reason why society does not feel the need to educate themselves, because why would you try to inform yourself about something you already know?

And the consequences of this ignorance are faced by innocent teenagers forced to flee from their homes due to abuse by people around them. Instances of public violence from families are ignored more than often, as it is a private matter and it is up to the family how to deal with it- be it with gentleness or cruelty.

“A queer couple in Kolkata eloped from their homes and took shelter at a friend’s place. Their location was traced through their phones and the family of one of the persons found them within a month. In broad daylight, the family along with two men got hold of the couple, beat their child’s partner up, and dragged their daughter into a car. She was screaming, hauling, crying for help, but not a single person in the locality, not even the police bat an eye- after all, it’s a family matter!”

In a study conducted by the National Human Rights Commission, it was found that only 2% of trans people stay with their parents. The rest, a staggering number, flee their family homes in hope of safety and shelter.

“A 17 year old trans woman ran away from her abusive home, starting a new life in Delhi. Their location was traced by their phone and the family beat them up on finding them. The teen was able to escape the chase and with the help of others from the community, found shelter in Himachal and filed a case against the family in Delhi High Court. The case is still pending, with the teen trying to get funds via donations to pay for justice.”

The cases are rising, and as always, the files remain in the dockets (a list of cases for trial or people having cases pending)

It is also noted that most cases of SOGIE related violence are reported from schools, and not colleges. School age is the period when individuals tend to trust their elders without hesitation, courtesy to their lack of knowledge about the world. A person becomes independent enough to explore and form their own beliefs by the time they reach the age to pursue higher education. The number of such incidents decreases as a result of exposure and maturity. Should we assume that the older generations are to blame for embedding stigma?

Conclusion

It is essential to note that despite a significant population of the country falling in the queer spectrum, there is not much recognition of their rights, with even less representation among those in power. Majority of the population still views the community with the same perspective as a 100 years back, with disgust and apprehension. This lack of representation can contribute to feelings of isolation and marginalisation among queer individuals, leading to a rise in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Without visible role models or supportive policies, many struggle to find acceptance and understanding within their communities. There is an urgent need for a change in our legal and education systems, to change society's mindset. Creating inclusive policies, passing progressive legislation, and raising awareness are ways to accomplish this.

SOGIE bullying in schools can be combated only if those running the school know about it. Education plays a pivotal role in any change. Staff needs to be prepared to recognize and address bullying while educating parents fosters acceptance at home. Teaching students about SOGIE breaks down stereotypes and reduces stigma. Additionally, it is important to provide mental health services sensitive to their specific needs for the betterment of their overall well-being. By imparting knowledge to all, the creation of a respectful and secure learning environment isn’t impossible.

References:

● Abreu, R. L., & Kenny, M. C. (2017). Cyberbullying and LGBTQ Youth: A Systematic Literature Review and Recommendations for Prevention and Intervention. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 11(1), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0175-7

● Gower, A. L., Rider, G. N., McMorris, B. J., & Eisenberg, M. E. (2018). Bullying Victimization among LGBTQ Youth: Current and Future Directions. Current Sexual Health Reports, 10(4), 246–254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-018-0169-y

● Johnson, P. G. (2017). Lessons for Legalizing Love: A Case Study of the Naz Foundation's Campaign to Decriminalize Homosexuality in India. Capstone Collection. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/3063

● Kumar, A., Gill, R., & Verma, N. (2024). Sexual Minorities Students in Educational Institutions: Identity and Other Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Individuals. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 11(3), 863-871. DIP:18.01.082.20231103, DOI: 10.25215/1103.082

● Menon, C.S., Chakrapani,V., & Jadav, S. (2019). Be a Buddy, not a Bully! Experiences of sexual and gender minority youth in Tamil Nadu schools. UNESCO, New Delhi. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000368435

● UNESCO. (2016). Preventing and addressing SOGIE-related school violence in Vietnam. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://doi.org/10.54675/XICP3981

● United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2015). Asia-Pacific SOGIE Bullying Consultation Meeting Report. UNESCO. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/sites/default/files/resource/asia-pacific-sogie-bullying-cons ultation-meeting-report-2015.pdf

Written by: Charu Gupta

Reviewed by:

Patmateertha (Associate Editor)

Shreeyanshi (Editor-in-cheif | Senior Content Team Coordinator)

Kashvi Magan ( Senior Deputy Content Team Coordinator)