Delineando caminhos para o enfrentamento da homofobia em ambientes escolares

Abstract

The phenomenon of bullying is a major challenge to be combated in the school environment. Among the many motivations for its occurrence, there is homophobia, which motivates aggressors to commit the offense simply because they do not accept the victim9s sexual orientation. This study, entitled <Delineating Paths to Confronting Homophobia in School Environments,= aims to understand how homophobia manifests itself in schools in the city of Pinheiro, Maranhão, Brazil. As specific objectives, it sought to identify its causes, investigate cases of violence motivated by homophobia within the school environment, and from this, point out alternatives to be taken to reduce the problem. The question that guided this work was <What is the role of the school in confronting homophobia and valuing sexual and gender diversity?=. The research was conducted through a bibliographic survey on the topic, together with the production and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, obtained through na electronic questionnaire applied to elementary school teachers in the city of Pinheiro, Maranhão, Brazil, to analyze the incidence of homophobia, the ways in which it is evidenced in educational institutions, and teachers9 perceptions of the problem. The study also explores the historical and social roots of homophobia in Brazil and the role of the school in perpetuating prejudices. For this purpose, it was based on the works of authors such as Louro (1997), Silva (2018), Junqueira (2007), and Dinis (2011) and in official documents such as the Brazil9s Federal Constitution of 1988 and Law No. 7.716/89. The research pointed to the prevalence of homophobia in schools and the urgency of discussing the topic. It also identified the main challenges that teachers face when working on the issue of diversity in the classroom and the desire that these professionals have to build a more welcoming and inclusive environment for their students. Finally, the study presents future perspectives for the implementation of more effective actions to combat homophobia in the educational context.