Challenging the use of homophobic language in schools: Mumsnet and Stonewall campaign

[RebeccaMumsnet]

"That's so gay." Um, actually it probably isn't.

It's also something most of us don't want to hear, and it's absolutely something young people shouldn't have to hear in the classroom.
That's why, for Anti-Bullying Week this year, we've teamed up with Stonewall on Gay. Let’s Get Over It, a campaign to provide guidance to schools, parents and young people, and to address the misuse of the word 'gay'.

Mumsnetters talked about the need for the campaign here, and you can get involved in it here.

Do share on Twitter #GetOverIt, Facebook and Google+ - the more people know about the campaign, the more we can challenge unacceptable language and change the culture of our schools. And do feel free to discuss it here too.

Tomorrow, Will Young will be coming into MNHQ for a webchat about the campaign at 12pm - watch active for the webchat thread which will be up later and post your questions to him there.

noblegiraffe - facts are based upon observation and empiricism, opinions are based upon emotion, I use the former. I'm not religious.

*According to the Huffington Post, Stonewall’s campaign comes in response to research which shows that 99 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school.

The study, supported by online parent forum Mumsnet, revealed 84 per cent of young people feel distressed when they hear language of that nature.

Has the possibility ever crossed the minds of teachers and the Mumsnet brigade that it's the very thought of such unnatural activities as homosexuality and lesbianism that makes them feel “distressed” in the first place?

The Huff also report that “Posters, sent to schools across Britain, state clearly: “Gay. Let’s Get the Meaning Straight”” – yes, lets – “gay” means happy and jolly – there cannot be anything gay about being a homosexual.*

I read the BNP link so nobody else has to. Very entertaining. Shall we more on?

And now I am leaving the thread. I might come back if you decide to leave or get deleted Dave

Has the possibility ever crossed the minds of teachers and the Mumsnet brigade that it's the very thought of such unnatural activities as homosexuality and lesbianism that makes them feel “distressed” in the first place?

No because that's utter bollocks and not how kids think, except for a very small minority

Not religious? Ah, it's just that your idea that sex should only lead to reproduction sounds like it comes from the Bible. Given that sex is so fun, I'm sure there are plenty out there who would disagree with you.

Neither homosexuality nor having sex for fun is unnatural.

I can't believe that I actually had to tell someone this

noblegiraffe - yes of course sex is "fun" because it is powered by Nature's need for our species to survive (a process homosexuality and lesbianism cannot gurantee). Trivialising such a necessity is, I'm afraid, all too typical of dysfunctional young people.

I often find my 12 year old DS using this type of terminology and we always pull him up on it. But I don't think he or his friends intend to use it in a homophobic way, although by association it comes across that way. I would say for him it's interchangeable with 'random'.

I would like to think that in the past twenty to thirty years we'd moved well beyond the use of such unacceptable language. The DCs definitely don't hear it from us!

Dave, our species has managed to survive quite well with people having sex for fun and procreation. I really don't think you need to worry there.

Anyway, it's good to know that this campaign has pissed off the BNP. Another reason to wholeheartedly support it!

Le's not engage with davejones- he's taking the piss.

noblegiraffe - why would annoying the BNP be good? What have you got against the BNP?

thinks davejones is a computer generated troll

Because surely no one is quite so obtuse and bigoted in real life. Sadly, I know that's not true.

Don't engage.......

No evidence of any reason from you Daveyboy. Men!!

Dave, I completely uphold your right to believe that sexuality should be kept private. However I and many others believe differently, based on studies which show the benefits of being open and the testimonies of people for whom this secrecy and shame has been damaging.

I am delighted that this campaign is happening. I think it will provide real benefits based on similar campaigns in the past. Yay for The Mumsnet and Stonewall campaign.

Dave, I'm sorry you feel that secrecy and shame are natural..

Nope - still no reason there Davey

This thread has de-railed somewhat, hasn't it?

I respect all those who feel offence, and having read and considered the thread, will challenge if I hear the word "gay" used to mean "pathetic", by asking the user to elaborate what he/she means, and checking as best I can that they do not think homosexuals are pathetic.

Love, peace,

Silvery, why not advise them that if they don't want to sound like they think homosexuals are pathetic that they choose a different word? After all, if they aren't homophobic, they shouldn't have a problem with that.

I'm thinking of taking my hard wired instinct to keep eating confidential to a cafe for lunch.