IGLYO Education Index shows that bullying and the lack of an inclusive curriculum are among the main drivers of discrimination of LGBTIQ+ youth in Albania

Tirana, 21 May 2025 – On the occasion of the IDAHOT, the IGLYO Education Index was published, including information and ranking of Albania, revealing alarming findings on the state of inclusive education and the level of discrimination faced by LGBTI young people within the Albanian education system.

The data presented in the Index highlight a significant lack of institutional support and serious shortcomings in the implementation of inclusive education policies. Although Albania has adopted two National Action Plans for LGBTI persons (2016–2020 and 2021–2027), which include measures aimed at reducing discrimination and improving conditions in education, only around 32% of the planned measures have been fully implemented. The inclusion of LGBTI-related issues in school curricula and the training of teachers remain almost entirely absent.

The Index identifies the education system as one of the most discriminatory environments for LGBTI youth in Albania. According to the most recent survey conducted by LGBTI Alliance for the years 2023–2024, the situation is particularly concerning: 87% of LGBTI young people reported experiencing verbal harassment at school, 42% reported having been victims of physical violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 62% stated that they had missed school in order to avoid bullying and exclusion.

The report warns that the absence of specific policies addressing homophobic and transphobic bullying, combined with the lack of an inclusive curriculum and structured training for teachers and psycho-social staff, contributes to the normalisation of violence, stigma and exclusion of LGBTI youth within schools.

While the Ministry of Education and Sports has taken some limited measures over the years, the Index criticises the lack of sustained and comprehensive policies. Of particular concern is the absence of a mandatory curriculum addressing SOGIGESC issues (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics), as well as the fact that the majority of teachers and school psychologists are not adequately trained to support LGBTI students.

In this context, civil society has played a crucial role in filling institutional gaps. Organisations such as CRCA Albania and PINK Embassy have provided training, informational materials and direct support to students, teachers and parents. Nevertheless, these efforts are often hindered by public resistance, stigmatising narratives and the lack of consistent support from state institutions.

The Education Index for LGBTI Youth calls on state institutions to strengthen financial and technical commitments for the implementation of the National Action Plan 2021–2027, to design and implement an inclusive curriculum that addresses comprehensive sexuality education, gender identity and sexual orientation, to ensure mandatory training for teachers and school psychologists on LGBTI issues, and to establish effective mechanisms to prevent and address violence and discrimination against LGBTI students in schools.

This Index represents a key reference document for policymakers, education authorities and civil society actors seeking to build a fair, safe and inclusive education system for all young people in Albania, without exception.

Full Report and the Index Map can be read in the following link:

Report & Index