From Fear to Freedom: Confronting LGBTQphobia at Schools

Historically, the school is responsible for providing a model that produced (and reproduces) many differences, distinctions, and inequalities in different societies worldwide. The practice of bullying goes beyond the barriers of human rights, causing countless harm to education and the development of society. How can we build a school where everyone feels welcomed and there is no room for any form of violence? What possible strategies can we adopt so that diversity is valued and respected at school? 

Where: Kuutio room, located on the second floor of Oodi.

This workshop-table of discussion is guided by Luis Hult, also known as Friday, the Professor, a dynamic individual who wears many hats—educator, drag queen, DJ, and passionate advocate for human rights. Luis has a degree in chemistry and a master degree in education. While her academic background lies in Natural Sciences, particularly chemistry, her journey took a turn toward human rights education during her master's studies. Instead of merely addressing the problem locally, Friday recognized the global scope of the lack of human rights literacy, particularly regarding LGBTQI+ issues. Her drove her to action, organizing training sessions for educators and students and earning recognition from the LGBTQI+ parade in Sao Paulo in 2017 for her outstanding contributions to education, especially for going to school in drag during the 17th of May, The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.