Bullying
“That’s So Gay” Is Not OK
Challenging Slurs Inside and Outside the Classroom
“Did you see what she was wearing? That’s so gay!”
At the turn of the twentieth century, this remark constituted high praise. But “that’s so gay” has become a catch-phrase for schoolchildren, adult comedians, and a wide variety of others. The assumption underlying the comment is that it’s unacceptable to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). When school staff look the other way, are they providing tacit permission for the harassment to continue? Some teachers say yes.
“Caring adults in children's lives need to step up to the plate,” says Lisa Becerra, a middle school teacher in Seattle. “Anyone who stands by and allows offensive or hurtful behavior is contributing to the problem. All students need to feel safe in order to learn.”
LGBT Students Harassed More Often
A 2005 study conducted on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say they feel unsafe at school. Ninety percent of LGBT students (versus 62 percent of non-LGBT teens) were harassed or assaulted during the past year. Being perceived as lesbian, gay, or bisexual is the second most commonly cited reason for frequent harassment.
In the worst cases, harassment results in death. According to a report by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, "A majority of suicide attempts by homosexuals occur during their youth, and gay youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people. They may comprise up to 30 percent of (the estimated 5,000) youth suicides annually.”
It’s Not Okay
Many adults and students—gay and straight—seek to curb the use of this hurtful expression. In British Columbia, a campaign called “That’s So Gay Is Not OK!” was launched last spring. Posters and slogan buttons were distributed to participating schools, with a goal of raising awareness and initiating discussion about homophobia.
Steve LeBel, teacher, media spokesperson, and resources coordinator in Gale, BC, said that when a teacher is wearing a button with a slash through the phrase, “That’s So Gay,” kids who are curious or who have concerns know who to go to. “The little button has that power!”
Educators in participating B.C. schools have noticed a real change in school climate, according to Patrick Clark, coordinator for social justice programs for BC Teachers Federation. The campaign buttons were “hugely popular,” said Clark. “They couldn’t make enough of them!”
Sources for Help
Here are some resources for schools looking to launch similar efforts:
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
Gay-Straight Alliances are student-run clubs offering a confidential, supportive meeting space.
Day of Silence
The Day of Silence brings attention to bias and harassment.
No Name-Calling Week
Provides schools with tools to eliminate bullying in their communities.
COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program
Unites high school and college-aged youth who have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parent to build a peer community.
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network)
Focuses on ensuring safe schools.
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families, and friends.
GLAAD (The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
GLAAD is dedicated to promoting fair representation in the media.