Educational issues of homosexuals in Greece

Dear Minister,

As part of the effort to address all forms of discrimination against citizens, wherever they may appear, I have begun a series of meetings with organizations representing the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual) community in Greece, with the aim of highlighting the problems faced by the community and addressing them. With this letter, I would like to kindly ask you to examine and find solutions to some of the issues that our fellow citizens, members of the LGBTQ community, are facing.

a) Inrtoduction of sexual education in schools

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is rooted in prejudices and misconceptions, reflecting society’s ignorance about the issue of different sexual preferences. The only response to ignorance is knowledge, the education of citizens about the nature of diversity. Only through knowledge can it become a shared belief that differences among people (based on gender, religion, race, sexual orientation) cannot justify any discrimination against the “different.”

I believe that it is essential for the Ministry of Education to take the initiative in educating students, from a young age, on sexual education, preferably through the introduction of a sexual education curriculum in schools. Discussions with representatives of LGBT community organizations have once again highlighted the severe lack of information among young people regarding important aspects of their sexual health, leading them to become easy victims of sexually transmitted diseases. Special emphasis is also placed on the need to combat racism and discrimination against homosexuals through the education of young people within the school system. I would also like to remind you of my previous proposals on the matter, as outlined in my letter from July 21.

b) Sexual freedom of teachers

One of the main issues raised by representatives of LGBT organizations is the fear under which homosexual teachers in public education live, due to the threat of a complaint being filed against them for their sexual preferences. Particularly in rural areas, this practice is common, based on the belief that teachers have the ability to influence their students with ideas and views that are considered undesirable.

As a result, this threat is used as a means of manipulating teachers, who, under a climate of fear, are forced to hide or downplay their private lives. Such practices are incompatible with a European state, which must respect and protect the personal data of its citizens. It is therefore essential for the Ministry of Education to take initiatives to eliminate such phenomena and ensure that even the most malicious are compelled to respect their fellow citizens’ right to privacy.

c) Problems of transgender individuals in the education system

A particular category of citizens is the transvestites-transsexuals, who have been associated in public consciousness with deviant and marginal behaviors (prostitution, drug use, etc.). However, there is no consideration of the conditions created by our society for the smooth integration of this segment of the population, which today numbers around 3,000 individuals.

Recently, the case of three transvestites came to public attention, who, wishing to continue their education in secondary school, attempted in September 2002 to enroll at the Evening Gymnasium-Lyceum of Saint Antonios in Peristeri. The negative response from the school’s principal was based on the argument that the school was full. However, their second attempt to find another school (an Evening School in Kato Patissia) also proved unsuccessful, as the response once again was that the school was full.

The incident is not unique. In another case, a transvestite attempted to enroll in a private hairdressing school, in an effort to leave prostitution. And this attempt was unsuccessful, as the school rejected their enrollment.

It becomes evident from the above that the difficulties faced by transgender people in Greece are such that they leave little room to avoid the margins. Since they are not given the opportunity to acquire basic literacy skills, to complete compulsory education, or to access vocational training, how will they be able to seek another job other than prostitution? Without education, without any support, not even from their families, finding employment is impossible, and prostitution becomes the only solution.

The Constitution of Greece, in Article 16, paragraph 4, guarantees the right of all Greeks to free education at all levels, in public educational institutions. The same article emphasizes the obligation of the State to support students who need help or special protection, depending on their abilities. Transvestites fall precisely into this category of students, as their protection is necessary due to the reactions they encounter in their efforts to be educated and, more generally, to integrate as equal members in the social community.

Dear Minister,

In the struggle to achieve a society of equal opportunities for all, breaks with established interests and views are inevitable. Our effort should, in any case, aim at combating inequalities and discrimination, which constitute an obstacle to the development of our country. The education of young people, without discrimination, is the most effective means of addressing regressive views at the very stage where they are formed, during youth.

Looking forward to your positive response,

With deep respect,

Anna Karamanou