“Relembrando os tempos de escola”: A homofobia na perspectiva de estudantes universitários / “Remembering school days”: Homophobia from the perspective of university students

Abstract

Considering the frequent occurrence of homophobia in the school context, the objectives of the study were to retrospectively investigate the experiences of homophobia at school among university students, as well as analyzing the perception of young people about the action of the school staff in the face of homophobia. Therefore, 104 university students responded to a translated and adapted version of the questionnaire National School Climate Survey - Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network. Participants reported having experienced or witnessed experiences of homophobic violence, like homophobic comments (93.1%); spreading rumors and lies (61.5%); exclusion (85.7%); physical aggression (48.1%); sexual harassment (61.5%); e cyberbullying (50%). Among the 25 participants who identified themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning, 80% pointed that was uncomfortable when their sexual orientation or gender identity was revealed to people in their school. Situations that indicate homophobia on the part of the school staff were also reported: 58.6% pointed that they heard homophobic comments made by teachers or school staff and 30.8% reported that the school staff never took any action when they were present during homophobic comments. The conclusion is that there is a need for prevention and intervention actions in situations of homophobia at school, as well as preparation of the school staff to deal with the issue.