It rises to fourth place in the LGTBIQ+ educational inclusion index, although the continent is experiencing a worrying regulatory setback
Spain has managed to place itself in fourth place in the Index of Inclusive Education in Europe, prepared by the International Organization of LGTBIQ+ Youth and Students (IGLYO). An increase of eight positions compared to the previous edition, published in 2022, which confirms significant progress. Even so, the overall data in the report invites critical reflection: are we really making progress as we should?
What does this index measure?
The study analyzes 49 European countries and evaluates whether their educational systems guarantee the inclusion and protection of LGTBIQ+ young people. To do this, ten key indicators are considered, including:
- Existence of anti-bullying policies.
- Anti-discrimination legislation in educational environments.
- Inclusion of LGTBIQ+ content in the study plans.
- Mandatory training for teachers in diversity.
- Legal recognition for trans and intersex people.
With a score of 77.5 out of 100, Spain shares a position with Belgium and Denmark, and is only surpassed by Norway (90), Sweden (80) and Malta (80). This ranking reflects, at least in part, the institutional commitment to a more diverse and safe education.
Lights and shadows of the report
Although 21 countries have improved since 2022 – such as France, Lithuania or Moldova -, the European panorama remains alarming. In seven States, there are still laws that prohibit talking about LGTBIQ+ issues in classrooms. Thirteen others, including Bulgaria, Italy and the United Kingdom, have experienced a clear decline.
Education, more than ever, has become a field of ideological dispute. According to IGLYO, the rise of anti-gender discourses and regressive policies has instrumentalized diversity as a political tool, directly affecting the well-being of students.
“Education should be a safe space, not a battlefield. We need action and responsibility, not just hope,” declares Yassine Chagh, president of IGLYO.
Why does an inclusive school matter?
Numerous studies have shown that LGTBIQ+ students, or those who are perceived as such, suffer higher levels of harassment, discrimination and violence in the school environment. This not only affects their mental health and self-esteem, but also their academic performance.
Ensuring inclusive education is not a symbolic gesture. It is an ethical and legal obligation for any State that is committed to human rights. Policies that recognize diversity in classrooms do not only benefit the LGTBIQ+ community, but enrich the educational experience of the entire school community.
What if this progress is not so solid?
While the rise of Spain is cause for celebration, it is advisable to maintain a critical eye. Are we facing a real and sustainable improvement or simply a good result in a specific index? Inclusion should not remain on paper or depend on the political color of the moment. Furthermore, some voices question whether the report’s data can hide very diverse local realities. What about the differences between autonomous communities? Are these policies really being applied in classrooms?
Top 10 countries in LGTBIQ+ inclusive education (2024)
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Norway | 90 |
| Sweden | 80 |
| Malta | 80 |
| Spain | 77.5 |
| Denmark | 77.5 |
| Belgium | 77.5 |
| Portugal | 75 |
| Luxembourg | 75 |
| Finland | 72.5 |
| France | 70 |
