Fridae

A survey in Hong Kong found that 65 per cent of respondents displayed some degree of sexual prejudice, with 16 per cent expressing extremely negative attitudes toward LGBTs.

The survey, conducted by the Hong Kong institute of Education and funded by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), questioned a total of 332 pre-service teachers between May 2014 and May this year.

The survey also found that 83 per cent of respondents had not received any sexuality education covering gender diversity or sexuality.

A commission spokesman said the study highlights a lack of understanding of LGBT students and support in the community, especially the education sector, according to The Standard.

The EOC's study also found evidence of harassment and discrimination of LGBT at an individual and institutional level in the city's schools. In interviews, many young LGBTs expressed that they received no support or guidance with relation to sexuality and in some cases teachers urged LGBT students to seek psychological help.

Principal investigator and institute assistant professor Diana Kwok Kan stressed the importance of changing the structure of the sexual education curriculum to encourage a more positive attitude toward LGBT students.

Education-sector lawmaker Ip Kin- yuen said: "It is very important for society to be accepting in addressing topics like LGBT rights. Although awareness of the LGBT community is increasing, we have to admit there is still a deep divide in opinion on the related issues."