Education as Activism: Classroom Interventions by LGBT Organizations in Contemporary France

Many communities around the world are becoming more accepting of LGBT people, with an increasing number of nations legalizing same-sex marriage and passing laws that protect against discrimination not only based on sexual orientation but also gender identity.  But attitudes do not always change as quickly as laws.  This study looks at France, a country that has passed LGBT-friendly legislation but still harbors much societal homo-, bi- and transphobia.  I am interested in current educational outreach programs at the middle school and high school level organized by LGBT activist organizations that seek to explore and combat students’ prejudices.  This project will examine the context of these interventions in French LGBT activism, their process and their possible effect on students’ attitudes.  I hope to present a next step in the acceptance of the LGBT community driven by education.