In Ireland, many LGBT+ teachers live in fear of being exposed

In Dublin, the Irish celebrate the overwhelming victory of the "yes" vote in the referendum on same-sex marriage in 2015. Getty Images - Clodagh Kilcoyne

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1 min

Thousands of LGBT+ teachers are forced to hide their sexuality, warns the National Union of Teachers in Ireland.

They fear discrimination and their place in a predominantly Catholic country.

Very few feel comfortable enough to be themselves with their colleagues

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With our correspondent in Dublin

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How can you speak freely about your sexuality in a country where nearly 90% of schools are still run by the Church?

Despite laws providing for equal employment opportunities, research by the Primary Teachers Union shows that only 18% of LGBT+ teachers have disclosed their sexual orientation to colleagues in the Republic compared to 12% in Northern Ireland. North.

More inclusion needed

It is therefore estimated that around 4,000 primary school teachers do not feel safe enough to be at work themselves.

During a union press briefing on April 21, a gay teacher admitted having had to hide the death of his companion from his colleagues, for fear of being discriminated against.

Others said they lived in fear that management would " 

."

" 

", warns the union, which calls for more inclusion, both for teachers and for students.

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• Ireland

• LGBT+

• Employment and Labor

• Religion