"One-third of LGBTI+ students in Azerbaijan have been subjected to harassment at school"

Barama Evi, an organization that conducts research on the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ people in Azerbaijan, shared the 3rd survey summary with the public as part of Baku Pride Week this year. The survey, titled "Harassment Experiences of LGBTI+ People in Azerbaijan in the School Environment," was conducted from August 2025 to March 2026, and the analysis included 94 responses.

37% of respondents who participated in the survey said they had faced discrimination, harassment, or physical violence due to their LGBTQI+ identity during their school years. This group (n=35) appears to be made up mostly of gays (17), non-binary people (7), trans women (4), and trans men (3). Geographically, respondents from more than 18 cities in the country participated, including Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, and Sheki.

All 35 people who were subjected to harassment reported being subjected to verbal harassment (derogatory remarks, swearing, nicknames, threats). In addition, 25 people reported suffering from social isolation (not being included in collective activities), 17 people from physical violence (pushing, hitting, damaging things), and 13 people from cyberbullying (targeting on social media, sharing personal information).

Although classmates are primarily behind the acts of harassment (30 cases of verbal harassment), teachers and school staff are also significantly involved in these acts. 16 cases of verbal harassment and 8 cases of physical violence were committed by teachers.

In terms of intensity, the picture seems to be even more severe. As such, verbal harassment was reported to have continued regularly in 24 cases.

The vast majority of those subjected to harassment reported not contacting anyone. Those who received support from family, friends, and psychologists were found to be very rare.

68% of the respondents reported witnessing harassment against other LGBTQI+ students at school (n=63). The attitude of school staff to this harassment is disturbing. Thus, in 37 cases, staff members openly supported the harassers or themselves showed a negative attitude, and in 23 cases they remained neutral. Active intervention occurred in only 3 cases.

The figures also confirm that harassment leaves serious traces. 33 respondents reported experiencing constant anxiety, depression, and stress, 24 reported decreased motivation to study, and 17 reported avoiding school. 18 reported being forcibly exposed at school, 7 reported being forced to change schools, and 3 reported suspending their education for a certain period of time.

In terms of the impact on academic performance, 26 reported that their results had decreased due to harassment, and 19 reported that teachers discriminated in assessments.

"School violence has stolen not only my education, but also my future."

"I couldn't go to school for 2-3 years because of the harassment I was subjected to... I changed 4 schools in total, and the same process was repeated in each one."

In the final part of the survey, the vast majority of participants emphasized the importance of these changes. Increasing the sensitivity of school staff (82 people), creating accessible psychological support mechanisms for students (74), anonymous complaint mechanisms (74) and educational activities (73 and 69).

The full survey summary is available on barama.org.

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