Italian school climate and culture. Interventions to protect the well-being of LGBT+ students

The inadequateness of the Italian school context concerning coping with violent phenomena represent an obstacle to the well-being of LGBT+ (under 25) students. On the other hand, the interventions carried out in the international scene in this area boast the implementation of inclusive actions in line with the real needs of LGBT+ youth. Indeed, the contribution refers to the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), which also promote the sharing of best practices by increasing awareness that specific issues need the support of the entire community, school and non-school. A growing body of research confirms that the presence of a GSA, for example, has a positive and lasting effect on student's health, well-being and academic performance. It can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity and improve the school climate for all students in the long term. Hence, promoting change in Italian school culture in the direction of inclusion and valuing otherness requires professional expertise and the active participation of the entire school population. Turning attention to what has been achieved in other countries, to solve the same issues, could provide Italy with valuable inputs for the implementation of strategies to foster a specialization of the skills of operators - school and helping relationships - aimed at countering individual discomfort and the exacerbation of violent phenomena against LGBT+ people.