The International LGBTQI Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) is calling on young queer people across Europe to share their experiences of the education system in a major new survey. The research aims to build a clear, data-driven picture of the climate for LGBTQ+ students in schools today.
This is the second edition of the pan-European LGBTQI School Survey, a project designed to turn individual stories of bullying, acceptance, and discrimination into concrete evidence that can be used to lobby for safer, more inclusive educational environments. The collected data will form the basis of reports for policymakers at both European and national levels.
From Personal Experience to Policy Change
For many LGBTQ+ young people, school can be a challenging environment. While awareness has grown, issues of bullying, lack of representation in the curriculum, and unsupportive staff remain prevalent. This survey seeks to quantify those experiences, covering a range of topics including:
- School policies on inclusion and discrimination
- Experiences with bullying from students and staff
- Mental health and general wellbeing
- Access to inclusive sex education and resources
- Gender recognition for trans and non-binary students
By gathering this information on a large scale, IGLYO can provide advocacy groups—including those here in the Netherlands—with the statistical backing needed to push for meaningful reforms in education ministries and local school boards.
Dutch Ministry Co-Funds Initiative
The project has a direct connection to the Netherlands, as it is co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, alongside the European Union. This backing underscores a national commitment to the project's goals and makes the participation of Dutch youth particularly valuable for understanding the local situation within a broader European context.
How to Participate
Taking part is straightforward, and all responses are completely anonymous and confidential.
Who is it for? LGBTQI individuals aged 15 to 24 who have attended school in any Council of Europe country (including the Netherlands), Russia, Belarus, or Kosovo.
How long does it take? The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
When is the deadline? The survey is open until 30 September 2026.
The questionnaire is available in more than 15 languages, including Dutch, to ensure it is as accessible as possible. Eligible individuals can access the survey directly at the link below. Allies are also encouraged to share the link widely to help ensure the results are as representative as possible.
The survey can be found at: iglyo.org/opportunities/school-survey-2026
