National analysis on violence against LGBTI+ children: Kmop, Greece

Abstract

Within the Framework of Diversity and Childhood, primary and secondary research has been implemented in Greece including apart from desk research a mixed research method. More specifically, quantitative data were gathered with an online survey and at the same time, qualitative data were collected with interviews with stakeholders and a workshop with lower secondary school children. First of all, a literature review was conducted which aimed to map the existing situation regarding LGBTI+ rights in Greece, the rights of their community and the legal framework in order to identify the remaining needs and gaps. Secondly, an online survey was created, which was free to access from January until 31st of March 2020. The aim of this survey was to identify the current perceptions about gender identity and sexual orientation in children and adolescents. Analysis from the survey was used in order to better refine the interview guide and to better organize the interviews. In total, there were documented 59 answers (50 was the minimum expected). Among the respondents there were 23 cisgender women and 27 cisgender men (nine did not answer), and 62.7% of those who answered were heterosexual. Afterwards, six in depth interviews (two of them via skype) were conducted and four questionnaires were handed out1 with stakeholders who represent education, health, media sector, family and people from public space (two people from each category) in March and April 2020. The aim of the interviews was to better map the needs and challenges professionals face but to also identify the remaining stereotypes regarding LGBTI+ and gender diversity children and youth. There were eight females and two males and their average years were 40 years old (min 27 years old- maximum 52 years old). Lastly, a workshop with lower secondary school children was conducted on March 3, 2020 in a private lower secondary school in Athens. The aim of the workshop was to explore the ideas and beliefs that children have about gender identity and gender expression and to identify the gaps and the needs that are required in order to combat violence and discrimination towards LGBTI+ children. In total 16 students between 13 and 14 years old participated. All of them belonged to the school mediation group2 . Among them, there were three boys and 13 girls. Five teachers were also present during the workshop: two of them participated as well, while the other three were observing. In the back, an independent researcher was observing the workshop and did not participate at all. The workshop lasted three hours from 12:00 until 15:00 with a 15’ break