In response to media enquiries about the findings of the Study on “Gender and Sexual-Orientation Harassment and Discrimination Experiences of LGBTQ Students in Secondary Schools” conducted by the Department of Special Education and Counselling (SEC) at The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd), the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has made the following statement today (27 May 2015):

  

1.        Persons of different sexual orientations or gender identity should enjoy equal opportunities. The EOC believes that the study demonstrates the real problems faced by young people who have to struggle with their sexual orientation or identity. It also shows that there is a lack of understanding of LGBTQ students* and support from our community, especially the education sector.

 

2.        The study can help schools and teachers to better understand the needs and problems faced by LGBTQ students*. Based on the findings and recommendations of the survey, the EOC will follow up with the education sector and the Education Bureau to encourage the formulation of policies to tackle discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in order to build a safe and discrimination-free school environment for LGBTQ students* in Hong Kong.

 

* The term ”LGBTQ students” stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning/Queer students.

 

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Equal Opportunities Commission

27 May 2015

 

Note:  The findings of the survey are available on the HKIEd’s website: