Tips For Facing The LGBT Phenomenon In The World Of Education

JAKARTA - As the frontline in education, teachers and schools, with the support and role of parents, it has an important role in facing LGBT challenges among the younger generation.

One of the steps that can be applied is to instill religious and moral values in everyday life. Also encourage togetherness and healthy social interaction through mutual cooperation, as well as build mutual respect without discrimination, but remain in the corridor of applicable norms.

In addition, teachers and schools have an important role in providing assistance to students by building good communication. Also prevent discrimination in the school environment, involve BK teachers in the mentoring process, and provide counseling services for students who need further guidance.

Based on this fact, the Teacher Community of the Sharing Satkaara (KGSB) held a webinar entitled "LGBT Phenomenon among the Young Generation, Challenges and Roles of Education", which was attended by more than 200 teachers from 30 provinces as well as parents of students on Monday, February 17. This webinar presents two speakers, namely the Founder of the BK & Widyaiswara Teacher's House at PPSDM Kemdikdasmen RI, Ana Susanti, M.Pd., CEP., CHt., as well as lecturer at the Psychology Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya Ulifa Rahma, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist.

In addition, it was also explained the results of the KGSB's internal pre-survey which described the views and experiences of teachers regarding socialization and education regarding the LGBT phenomenon in schools. In his remarks, the Chairman of KGSB, Ardyles Faesilio, emphasized the importance of this webinar in providing insight to educators and parents about the LGBT phenomenon and how the world of education can play a role in handling it. We hope that this forum will become a constructive discussion forum to formulate a more effective and humanist approach in education," he said.

KGSB founder Ruth Adriani, highlighted that the LGBT phenomenon is a sensitive issue, but cannot be ignored. The internal survey conducted by KGSB on 3-11 February 2025 against 200 respondents from 30 provinces showed the diversity of teachers' views. Most showed a refusal attitude, but there was also a neutral attitude and little acceptance.

The survey results show that 56.5% of schools have conducted socialization related to the LGBT phenomenon in various forms. The majority of socialization is carried out through the Counseling Counseling (BK) and a religious-based approach. Meanwhile, 43.5% of other schools do not yet have a special socialization program, generally because they are waiting for directions from the government or only inserting materials in other learning such as healthy dating or reproductive health.

Schools that have conducted socialization apply various methods, such as group discussions in BK services, seminars with external resource persons such as psychologists and child protection institutions, as well as counseling in the form of lectures and classrooms. Some schools also integrate counseling materials on LGBT phenomena in subjects such as reproductive health and religious studies, while others rely on campaign media such as posters, pamphlets, and educational videos.

"This difference in approach reflects the need for clearer policy standards for schools in dealing with LGBT issues," Ruth said.

In his presentation, Widyaiswara at PPSDM Kemdikdasmen RI, Ana Susanti, M.Pd., CEP., CHt., explained that the LGBT phenomenon among the younger generation is increasing due to various factors such as changes in social norms, media exposure, and psychological factors. He emphasized the importance of understanding the causes and impacts so that educators and parents can provide the right guidance.

Citing various references, according to him, there are several factors that affect the tendency of LGBT in individuals. These include hormonal imbalances in the body, social environment and relationships that have an impact on sexual orientation, as well as traumatic experiences such as violence or harassment that can trigger.

Psychologist Ulifa Rahma explained that sexual orientation and gender identity are influenced by complex factor interactions, including biological, psychological, and social aspects. Social factors that play a role include family parenting, environmental dynamics, and levels of emotional support received by individuals. He also highlighted the importance of the role of teachers and parents in understanding and supporting the psychosocial development of children.

Some recognizable signs include changes in social interactions reflecting increased self-identity exploration, increased levels of anxiety or emotional pressure, as well as engagement to the community. However, these signs are not universal and can be influenced by various individual and social factors.

Ana Susanti also highlighted the impact that could arise from LGBT exposure to students. Among other things, individual mental health disorders, decreased academic achievements due to psychological stress. In addition, the risk of accepting discrimination and social isolation can also be experienced by those identified as LGBT.

Ana Susanti emphasized that although this phenomenon is a challenge, the world of education can take a strategic role in providing a better understanding to students, teachers, and parents.

Ulifa Rahma emphasized that parents have a crucial role in shaping children's understanding of their identity from an early age. Support can be provided through wise supervision without excessive pressure, two-way communication, authoritative parenting, harmonious family environment creation, and prevention of domestic violence that has the potential to harm children's psychological condition.

In addition, collaboration between the government, schools, and the community also plays an important role. Education programs from health centers, school activities, active cooperation between parents and communities can create a more supportive environment, so that teenagers can understand their identities healthily and positively.

As a recommendation, KGSB proposes several strategic steps in dealing with the hardness of the LGBT phenomenon. Among other things, standardization of socialization about the LGBT phenomenon so that schools have clear guidelines, application of a multidisciplinary approach that includes aspects of psychology, academics, and social education, as well as training for teachers so that they have a more in-depth understanding of student communication strategies and assistance.

In addition, there needs to be a balance between inclusive approaches and local culture so that policies that are applied are more effective and acceptable in various school environments. This webinar is also expected to be the first step in designing educational modules that can be used by teachers, counselors, and parents.