Approximately 100 to 200 people gathered in front of the Ministry of Education today in tribute to Caroline Grandjean,a school principal who died by suicide following alleged homophobic harassment.Demonstrators rallied under the banner “La lesbophobie tue” (“Lesbophobia kills”), expressing grief and outrage over GrandjeanS death and calling for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ educators.
The protest follows the release of a letter from Grandjean’s wife,Christine Paccoud,read aloud by association representatives.”You loved me,you loved a woman and you died for it,” Paccoud wrote. “They killed you, without a weapon, just with horrors scribbled, with their cowardice.” Paccoud had previously stated on France 2 that “the hierarchy did not understand Caroline’s suffering.” The case highlights a broader concern about the prevalence of LGBTQ+phobia within the French education system and the perceived lack of adequate support for victims.
The Ministry of Education maintains it has implemented voluntary training programs to prevent LGBTQ+phobias, a dedicated communication campaign, and, as of this school year, enhanced support for staff to identify, report, and address instances of violence or vulnerability.however, protesters argue these measures are insufficient.
Clémence Barland,27,a teacher and spokesperson for the feminist collective Les Féministes révolutionnaires,voiced a common sentiment: “There is sadness and anger to see that her case is not isolated.” Barland added that those facing harassment are often left to fend for themselves, with administrations frequently prioritizing a “no waves” policy, and that “often the person who has to change establishments is the person who is trans, bi, gay or non-binary.” The presentation underscores growing demands for systemic change to protect LGBTQ+ educators and students from discrimination and harassment.