Words: Steve Brown

A campaign has been launched to fight against anti-LGBT incidents in schools across France.

France’s Ministry of National Education and Youth launched their All Equal, All Allies on Monday (January 28) which ensures all state schools put up anti-bullying posters and provide guides about LGBT+ students for teachers.

The campaign – which was spearheaded by SOS Homophobia – aims to reduce the number of anti-LGBT incidents in schools after it was reported they had increased by 38 per cent last year.

Collèges et lycées engagés contre l’homophobie et la transphobie à l'École : tous égaux, tous alliés.

👉 Une nouvelle campagne de sensibilisation et de prévention.

Toute l'info https://t.co/KaPxUHbRxs #LGBTphobies pic.twitter.com/OKQexQSuLR — Éducation nationale (@EducationFrance) January 28, 2019

According to a recent report, SOS Homophobia said these incidents cause decreased self-esteem, isolation and many students drop out due to the abuse they suffer.

The risk of suicide attempts was also four times higher for LGBT+ students.

In a press release, they wrote: “SOS Homophobia hopes that all institutions, public and private, will open their doors to this campaign so that it can reach a maximum of students and complete the work of prevention and awareness provided by SOS volunteers.”