For the past 30 years, research by GRIS-Montréal has documented changes in adolescents’ attitudes toward the realities faced by LGBTQ+ people. These data showed a steady improvement in these attitudes until recent years, which instead reveal a deterioration in the school climate. Our staff members have also observed an increase in hostility among the young people they encounter, as well as a resurgence of homophobic and transphobic remarks.
This deterioration is linked to a rise in hate speech and an increase in moral panic surrounding the existence of trans people, who are portrayed as threats to children and women. This decline in openness toward trans people is reflected in the results of recent surveys, particularly those conducted in the United States.
This research aims to document the attitudes of young people in Quebec toward sexual and gender diversity, in the context of polarized discourse on these issues. In addition to other analyses and interviews (both individual and group), we are conducting an online survey and focus groups with our volunteers to gauge their perceptions of the changes that have taken place in recent years.
The findings of this research will enable adults who work with young people to better understand the context in which they are called upon to address issues of sexual and gender diversity.