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Standing up to homophobic bullying
Sometimes people don’t take homophobic bullying seriously. How many times have you heard the phrase “Don’t be such a fag”! Comments like that may seem innocent, but they can have devastating effects. Often LGBTQ youth won’t reveal their identities until it’s safe to do so. Homophobic comments, jokes, and bullying all contribute to the development of a negative or hostile environment. Imagine if all you heard about your identity were negative comments. How would that make you feel!?
“That’s So Gay!” – Challenging Homophobic Bullying
Words hurt. “Fag talk” and associated phrases like “That’s so Gay” have become so commonplace that many youth describe them as being meaningless. Words always have meaning and they have the power to hurt, exclude, and humiliate. Maybe your mother was right: You should choose your words carefully!
The majority of bullying starts with teasing, name-calling, and put-downs. When bystanders ignore, excuse, or fail to intervene in homophobic language and stereotypes, words can quickly turn into actions. When we don’t speak out we contribute to the problem.
When you hear homophobic bullying:
Do
- Name it and claim it. Call people on their actions. Ask them to say what they mean. If they think something is “stupid”, then don’t call it “gay”!
- Treat ALL people with respect.
- Take action. Learn about other people and who they are. Consider starting a dialogue about homophobia and homophobic bullying in your school or community.
- Report the behaviour. If the name-calling or online bullying doesn’t stop, record it and report it to your parents, teacher and/or school administration.
- Stand proud. Believe in who you are.
Don’t
- Ignore or minimize the behaviour.
- Get trapped into the media stereotypes that portray sexual minorities in particular ways.
- Be afraid to say something or intervene when it’s safe to do so.
- Be part of the problem by being a bystander or by spreading gossip or rumors
Click here for tips on what to do if you are a victim of homophobic bullying.
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