Teachers reflect on homophobia in the Cypriot education system: A qualitative study

A review of the academic and lay literature concerning Cyprus reveals that homophobia is prevalent throughout society. This research aimed to investigate homophobia through the narratives of educators. Twenty-three teachers were randomly selected out of the pool of volunteers in a training project. Aspects of homophobia previously reported in literature were investigated and categories emerged. Analyses of results show that homophobia manifests itself through the use of homophobic language in school settings and through homophobic bullying incidents. Results were expected according to previous reports investigating LGBT issues and gender and ethnic identity formation processes.