The primary objective of INCLUSIES is to create inclusive academic environments where LGBTQI+ individuals can thrive, free from fear of discrimination or exclusion. The project focuses on a multifaceted approach that integrates practical interventions and systemic change. Key to INCLUSIES is the development of tailored training programs and evidence-based recommendations, providing universities with actionable strategies to foster inclusivity while equipping educators, students, and administrators with the skills needed to address discrimination effectively. By fostering active bystandership, the project seeks to cultivate a culture of responsibility, where individuals feel confident and empowered to intervene and support peers who experience exclusion or prejudice. These efforts are designed not only to benefit LGBTQI+ individuals but also to contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable higher education sector as a whole. INCLUSIES leverages transnational collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from Italy, Greece, and Lithuania. This collaboration facilitates the sharing of best practices and the development of a sustainable framework that can inspire similar initiatives in other EU contexts.
The INCLUSIES project arose from the pressing need to address systemic discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals in higher education institutions across Europe. Studies and feedback have highlighted a pervasive lack of inclusion, support, and understanding, significantly impacting the everyday personal experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals. Discriminatory practices and the absence of active bystandership mechanisms have further perpetuated inequalities. Research on discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in higher education has been limited, though some studies have identified the persistence of exclusionary practices and barriers to inclusion. This underscores the critical role of INCLUSIES in expanding and strengthening the existing research base. The project aims to bridge these gaps by fostering inclusive academic environments through innovative research, targeted training, and sensitization initiatives. By engaging universities, NGOs, and diverse stakeholders, INCLUSIES seeks to raise awareness, promote allyship, and implement actionable strategies to dismantle systemic barriers to inclusion.