In lessons on respect, prejudice or civil rights include information about discrimination against LGBTQ people and the LGBTQ civil rights movement.
For the youngest students, keep it simple – for example, “the word gay describes a man and a man or a woman and a woman who love each other.” As students get older, they may want more explanations and discussion.
Be prepared to provide accurate information.
Be clear that using the phrase “That’s gay” is hurtful to other students who may have family members or friends who are LGBTQ.
Be clear that using the word “gay” in a negative way is disrespectful.
If you have been hearing the phrase “That’s gay” or “no homo,” take time during class to make sure that your students know what “gay” means and know why it is hurtful to use as a comment or put-down.
If you have the time and opportunity to educate on the spot, do it.
You can always go back to the student and say or do something else if you feel you did not respond well.
With experience you will become more comfortable in handling it. Interrupting name-calling and harassment isn’t always easy. You may not know exactly what to say, but you must stop the harassment.
Almost any response is better than ignoring the situation.
Not speaking up teaches not only the student targeted, but also anyone within hearing range that they will not be protected from harassment.
If other students do not see action, they get the message there is nothing wrong with it.
Ignoring mean name-calling and hurtful teasing allows it to continue and possibly get worse.
Harassment does not go away on its own.
“It doesn’t matter who said it, I don’t want to hear that kind of language again.
These are hurtful words and can impact anyone who overhears them.”
“Using the words ‘queer’, ‘dyke’ or ‘fag’ to joke around is not OK.
“It is never OK to say, ‘you act like a girl (or look like a boy)’ as a put-down.”.
“Even if you didn’t mean to offend people who are gay, it is offensive to call this assignment gay (or queer) if you don’t like something, then say you don’t like it!.
“Using the word ‘homo’ to tease someone is harassment and is unacceptable.”.
“You may not have meant to be hurtful, but when you use the word ‘gay’ to mean something is bad or stupid, it is hurtful.” Follow-up: “Do you know why it is hurtful?”.
“It’s not OK at this school to use ‘gay’ disrespectfully to mean something is bad.”.
“Remember, we don’t use put-downs in this class.”.