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Foreword

Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is prohibited by Article 13 of the EC Treaty and the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. However, there continue to be difficulties in the European Union over the acceptance by society of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender (LGBT) members.

Various declarations of the Fundamental Rights Agency and International Conferences on Human Rights have emphasised that safeguarding LGBT people’s rights demands a forceful and effective response. The starting point for this effort is in education and through the influence of the media.

The media need to contribute to breaking down stereotypes and promote a realistic portrayal of LGBT people. In addition, all member states have an obligation to ensure that educational materials do not reinforce demeaning stereotypes or perpetuate forms of prejudice, which contribute to social exclusion, embed discrimination and the denial of human dignity.

Whilst acknowledging and respecting cultural differences and the diversity of their school systems, curricula and teaching methods, organisations from Italy, Bulgaria, the Spanish Basque region, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom decided to work together on a common project. They agreed to undertake an inquiry into the operation of stereotypes in schools, and to counter them through the use of a medium which children and young people understand and enjoy – film. Through effective coaching and activities centred around films, children can be helped to overcome their reservations over discussing issues of gender identity and sexual orientation, and develop their understanding and self-esteem.

Rainbow (Rights Against Intolerance – Building an Open-minded World) is our response to helping children and youngsters understand their own sexual attitudes, sensitise them to those of others, and respect diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity, both in school and outside.

Marco Mori
President of CIG
Centro d'Iniziativa Gay Milano

 

Funded under the Fundamental rights and citizenship programme of the DG Justice of the European Commission.
© European Union, 2012
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Marco Mori

Marco Mori
President of CIG
Centro d'Iniziativa Gay Milano