Open Letter to the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Athena Michailidou
Thessaloniki, 31 May 2025
Dear Minister,
With this letter, Thessaloniki Pride expresses its deep concern and regret over a serious incident of homotransphobic racist violence, allegedly involving Cypriot school students and accompanying teachers, during their school trip to Thessaloniki.
In the early hours of 31 May 2025, a trans girl and a gay man were verbally attacked with transphobic and homophobic slurs by a group of more than 20 underage students of Cypriot origin, near the hotel where they were staying. The attack occurred upon the students’ return to the hotel, without direct intervention by the accompanying teachers.
The harassment continued even from the windows of the hotel rooms, with students addressing the victims with aggressive remarks, while the same individuals awaited the arrival of the police, who I called for protection.
It is worth noting that the majority of the teachers seemed to understand the severity of the situation only when the police arrived, assuring the victims that the students will be educated to increase their awareness and sensitivity on the matter, in order to prevent similar behaviours in the future. Nevertheless, one of the accompanying teachers insisted on addressing the trans woman in the masculine gender and, when asked to show due respect, he replied ironically: “Hey mate, if you want it, we can also apologise to you.”
After assurances from the majority of staff, the two victims, seeking de-escalation and dialogue, chose not to press charges, reserving nevertheless the right to take future action. The incident has been officially recorded by our team, as a member of the Racist Violence Recording Network, based on sexual orientation, identity and gender expression.
Dear Minister,
As an institution with a decisive role in shaping education and youth culture in the Republic of Cyprus, we respectfully invite you to consider the following:
Proposals for Investigation and Prevention of Similar Incidents:
1. Investigation of the specific incident, in collaboration with the school involved and the accompanying teachers.
2. Strengthening the training of teachers on topics related to human rights, gender identity and sexual orientation.
3. Integrating LGBTQI+ issues into the educational process, as a key component for cultivating inclusion, equality and respect.
4. Developing protocols for the prevention and prompt management of incidents of discrimination during school activities, both within and outside Cyprus.
We firmly believe that education has the power to shape citizens with empathy, responsibility and respect for diversity. The education system of Cyprus can set an example, adopting zero-tolerance practices for any form of racism, transphobia or homophobia.
Attached you will also find some guidelines for the aforementioned in a guide by the Rainbow School in collaboration with both Thessaloniki Pride and other LGBTQI+ civil society organizations.
We are at your disposal for any further information or collaboration in this direction.
Respectfully,
Thessaloniki Pride
Recording member of the Racist Violence Recording Network
[email protected]
www.thessalonikipride.com
Guidelines for the Management of LGBTIQ+ Issues in School Life (in Greek)