Allegation of homophobic incident involving Cypriot students in Thessaloniki
An official complaint has been made regarding an incident of homophobic and transphobic behaviour involving Cypriot students on a school trip to Thessaloniki, according to a statement published by Thessaloniki Pride on social media.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours in the city centre, where a group of more than 20 students from Cyprus verbally assaulted a trans woman and a gay man they encountered, using highly offensive and derogatory language.
The victims contacted the police immediately. Only then, Thessaloniki Pride claims, did the accompanying teachers begin to grasp the seriousness of the situation- seemingly out of concern for potential consequences. Some students allegedly continued to display abusive behaviour, including referring to the trans woman using the wrong gender.
Thessaloniki Pride expressed serious concern that schools, which should be fostering tolerance and inclusion, appear instead to reinforce harmful, mob-like attitudes. The organisation said it will ensure this “heinous incident” is not ignored, in cooperation with the Cypriot consulate, Thessaloniki’s Anti-Racist Violence Department, LGBTI+ advocacy group Accept Cyprus, and the Cypriot government.
The organisation also noted that all incidents- large or small- can be reported quickly, anonymously, and with support via its partnership with RVRN, the Racist Violence Recording Network, which helps victims take further action if they wish.
