What is behind violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ youth?
Preventing violence against LGBT+ youth requires deep and consistent work: we need to reach the social roots of the problem and change dynamics through a cultural shift in bystander and community behaviour.
The interpersonal conflicts we make visible and act upon are only the tip of the iceberg. At the base lies a system of power relations, gender-based violence, and processes of sexual-affective socialisation.
The link between violence and desire
In social media, violence, risk and trouble are often associated with attraction.
Many books, films and advertisements link these attitudes-especially in men-with desire.
Examples include the perfume commercial Bad Boy or the film sagas After and Fifty Shades of Grey.
Educational institutions, both formal and non-formal, often reinforce this serious issue.
The dominant socialisation discourse influences young people not to choose their friends, partners or relationships based on egalitarian values.
The traditional model of relationships is based on power, where one can be above or below others.
This model does not connect positive values, feelings and attitudes with desire and excitement, and considers them "boring."
Instead, it associates excitement with risk, conflict and trouble.
Contrary to what some may think, people who treat others badly are rarely alone-they usually have a social circle that reinforces their attitudes.
Preventive socialisation of gender-based violence
The preventive socialisation of gender-based violence studies social interactions (media, peer groups, family, educational institutions, etc.) that generate models of love and attraction linked to gender violence.
Here are some key ideas to foster preventive socialisation:
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Choose ideal love and ideal relationships, which protect against violence.
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Use a "language of desire" ("You're amazing for doing this!") together with a "language of ethics" ("This helps create a safe environment") when talking about upstanders-the brave people who defend LGBTIQ youth.
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Promote transformative dialogues among all educational agents, especially among young people.
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Foster zero tolerance towards violence. No aggression or discrimination should ever be justified or minimised. Otherwise, victims learn to tolerate violence and bystanders fail to see the need to act. Zero tolerance must apply in all spaces, not only in classrooms or under adult supervision, but also during leisure time, in libraries, playgrounds, gyms, and bathrooms.
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Critically reflect on friendship. Friendships are based on freedom, diversity, solidarity, reciprocal growth and shared enjoyment. Having friends greatly reduces the likelihood of becoming a victim.
Friendship cannot be taught; it is built through daily practice in educational contexts. Young people can create supportive and solidarity-based networks that have a strong protective effect against violence. -
Teach and learn consent.
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Protect upstanders, as they may face second-order violence for defending victims.
Would you like to know the science behind this post?
Read the article:
Valls, R., Puigvert, L., & Duque, E. (2008). Gender violence among teenagers' socialisation and prevention. Violence Against Women, 14(7), 759-785.
