Lesson Plan Activity
1: “Only for Me” is suggested for learners aged 6‐9
2: “The Big Bad Divider” is suggested for learners aged 9‐12
3: “Mixing it up” is suggested for learners aged 13 and above
4: “What Are They Thinking?” is suggested for learners aged 13 and above
Each year, the world celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) on May 17th.
During the days surrounding IDAHO, private and public actors, ranging from the United Nations agencies, to city councils, police stations, human rights organizations, individual citizens, schools and others, implement activities to mark the day. The theme of this year’s IDAHO is “Fighting homophobia and transphobia IN and THROUGH education”. This theme was selected in response to a growing awareness that homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools which are manifestations of homophobia and transphobia, are serious issues that students and educational staff face every day across the world.
Studies show that homophobic and transphobic bullying can have a serious impact for the young people subjected to it at a crucial moment in their lives. Homophobic bullying can often lead to poor learner performance or even, in some cases, school dropout. Potential negative consequences of homophobic bullying on the physical and mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) young people include a higher likelihood to contemplate self-harm. As a result the incidence of suicide is much higher among them than among young people overall. Research also reveals that these young people tend to engage in high-risk behaviour including unprotected sex and drug use.
Homophobic and transphobic bullying do not only target young lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders but every young person perceived to be outside of the norms that constitute what are ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ behaviours. It occurs in all levels of education, including in primary schools. It undermines gender equality, respect for all and the right to quality education in a safe environment. Over the years, teachers around the world have been developing activities in their classrooms, with the help of various organizations working on efforts to address and homophobia and transphobia in educational institutions. Building on the success of these experiences, UNESCO and the IDAHO Committee propose teachers take advantage of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia to conduct an ‘IDAHO Lesson’. The four activities proposed below are aimed at both primary and secondary level classes. A list of resources from other organizations for teachers, for all subjects and all grades is included below to enable greater choice of possible activities. By conducting an “IDAHO Lesson”, you can create safer learning environments, address discrimination and encourage respect and tolerance between and amongst learners.
Download the full lesson plans here