Survey finds 67% of LGBTQ students in Taiwan hear homophobic remarks from school staff

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ students in Taiwan have heard homophobic remarks from teachers or staff, according to a nationwide survey released Thursday by the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association.

The study gathered 1,716 valid responses from junior high and high school students between September 2023 and June 2024. It found that discrimination persists despite some signs of progress since the last survey in 2020.

While fewer students reported feeling unsafe at school due to sexual orientation or gender expression compared to four years ago, prejudiced language and limited support remain widespread. More than half of respondents said the word “gay” is still commonly used as a slur.

Nearly one-quarter reported hearing negative messages about LGBTQ issues in the classroom. Only 6.4% of schools in the sample had LGBTQ-friendly student clubs, limiting access to peer support networks.

DPP Legislator Fan Yun (范雲) said the findings underscore slow progress. She cited the lack of inclusive teaching materials, insufficient educator training, and physical environments that remain unsafe for transgender and gender-nonconforming students, such as restrooms and swimming pools.

Fan urged the Ministry of Education to require gender equality courses in teacher training and integrate LGBTQ education more broadly into the curriculum. In response, ministry officials outlined measures already in place.

Hsu Hui-ching (許慧卿), senior specialist at the Department of Student Affairs and Special Education, said gender equality materials are available for teachers, while faculty awareness of gender diversity is included in university performance reviews and private school funding assessments. The ministry also encourages schools to establish gender-friendly student clubs and provides subsidies to strengthen peer networks.

Hsu added that the ministry has issued guidelines on gender-friendly dormitories, restrooms, and housing facilities, along with handbooks for creating inclusive environments since 2021. She expressed hope that greater understanding will gradually reduce discrimination.