Live Webchat with Will Young on Mumsnet's/Stonewall's new campaign to tackle homophobic language, TODAY, 12PM - 1PM

[KateHMumsnet]

We're delighted to announce that Will Young will be joining us for a webchat on Tuesday 19 November at midday, to talk about our Gay. Let's Get Over It campaign in partnership with Stonewall. The campaign, fronted by Will and supported by Mumsnet, uses new posters and guidance to tackle homophobic language and address the misuse of the word 'gay'.

With an 11-year career encompassing multi-platinum albums, live tours, acting in both film and TV and a foray into film production behind him, Will Young is one of the most lauded and recognisable figures in the British contemporary arts scene. We're very happy to welcome him to Mumsnet.

Of Gay. Let's Get Over It, Will said:
"The word gay is currently used as one of the worst insults by young people of all ages in Britains schools. It's clear from the shocking levels of self-harm and suicide among gay young people that we're failing an entire generation. It's time to take a stand, and put a stop to this deeply damaging use of homophobic language."

We hope you'll join us to talk about what we can do to stamp out language that is demeaning, hurtful and offensive to so many.

Thanks,
MNHQ

My son was bullied too, all his school life, it was only when he went to college that he found his niche if you like, do you think young people just eventually grow up and realise what they are actually saying and the effect it can have.
Older people who can't be changed or won't be changed just have to be confronted about homophobic language so it get's driven out of existence.

although this campaign is in schools. the use of homophobic language id widespread
my advice is to not point a finger but purely say how you feel about it and say that if someone was gay they would find it hugely damaging and offensive

once we get into a battle and lose our temper often the debate is over

@OooWhatToDo

Oh and does anyone have any advice on how you would approach someone who is close to you and their vile use of language? I have a close relative who insists on calling her son, I don't really want to say it, the F word. She doesn't seem to think there is anything wrong with it, so how would you get through to her about how damaging it really is?

i believe the point is that many young people dont know that the language they are using is offensive to a gay person. there are a multitude of words to use rather than 'gay' , the issue is that this word has become misappropriated to mean defunct and wrong, which for a gay person is offensive

@ehb102

What should we say when people claim that saying "that's so gay" doesn't refer to homosexuality and in fact means something different?

I so agree with that last point you made Will. I understand what the campaign is about but what chance do you think you have of success? Good luck.

Will, I was fortunate to hear the group discussion before the performance of The Pride in October and thought the panel there were brilliant in making the audience aware of different views and experiences. I attended the discussion with a friend who is homosexual and who I have heard on a number of occasions use the phrase 'that is so gay' (sometimes about himself, sometimes about a friend or even an object). It is obviously very important that children of an impressionable age are educated over the incorrect use of homophobic language. Are there further plans to extend this education to adults who perhaps don't understand how this can be seen as offensive?

Thank you

Hi Will! Loved your work on the R4 drama recently, it was brilliant :) I'm delighted you're doing this campaign, I'm a 30 year old woman with a child and I've been out for 2 years to most people. I recently came out to my mum and it was even worse than I'd imagined, she was pretty horrible.

I have to be around my mum on a regular basis, about a week of the month. During that time when I can't avoid her, is it better to say nothing of my gay lifestyle and the fact I have a female partner who I live with? She already knows it all, so should I just not talk about it?

I feel so wounded by her religious bigotry that I feel I never want to discuss gay issues with her ever again, or any aspect my life. With people like that who are family and who we love but whom are very different in their views, it is better to keep a dialogue going even if it's painful and inflammatory, or is it better to maintain a dignified silence now that she has made it clear she thinks gay people are going against the law of nature, etc etc? I feel so sad about it and I'm not sure how to move forward. And I'm 30! It seems so silly. Everyone else has been fine, it's just her.
What would you do, Will?

Will, I am totally against homophobic language and insulting behaviour towards gay people and believe emphatically in the right to have a loving relationship but I think before embarking on such a relationship one needs to reflect on a deeper level and be at peace with the decision one is making, Would you agree? Sometimes, to our detriment we jump into things without thinking

I think Stonewall do some great work, and I welcome this campaign. But I think both this campaign and Stonewall tend to focus on gay men and ignore lesbians. Can you pass on to Stonewall a request to focus on hateful language used about lesbians too? e.g. lezzie to any girl that is a bit different.

Hi all

Will has really kindly said he'd like to stay for a bit longer, to get through as many questions as poss. Thanks so much . And for those on a nostalgia trip - Will's previous encounter with Mumsnet users.

Hi Will, what do you think of Hull? I'm available if you would like a tour xx

firstly i think sex education lessons are very different to educating on laguage

stonewall has produced a resource guide specifically for school staff

it is called 'tackling homophobic language'
see picture @stonewall UK!

@PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline

Hi Will,

I have a Year 6 (Age 10-11) son. He and his friends use "That's so gay" to describe something rubbish. I'm perfectly happy to pull him up on it, and explain my reasons for doing so, but the school just seem to ignore it.

At this age they do have sex education lessons, so do you think there is more that can be done to address this issue before they reach secondary school?

It isn't just children/teenagers making these comments either. I've heard adults make similar statements. Someone once said to me they wouldn't send their son to a local secondary school because it would make them gay.

Oo thank you for staying a bit longer..

< makes Will a and >

thanks for your post

i actually was on This Morning yesterday with a Stonewall youth volunteer Rosie Ellingham who was talking about her experiences of homophobic.

i also spoke about the fact that the word Dyke is used on twitter 1000 time a day.

the pejorative use of the word 'Gay' effects all young gay people with 98% of young gay people hearing the word used and 87% feeling distressed by this and an outsider as a result

@Grennie

I think Stonewall do some great work, and I welcome this campaign. But I think both this campaign and Stonewall tend to focus on gay men and ignore lesbians. Can you pass on to Stonewall a request to focus on hateful language used about lesbians too? e.g. lezzie to any girl that is a bit different.

Thought you might like to see a picture of Will tapping away

almost half of secondary school teachers think that homophobic language they hear is just harmless banter
i applaud you for educating your classroom

@Bradsplit

I ban the use of gay in my home and classroom. I pin point any users ( rare ) and make them explain what they have said.

Ditto chav.

It just needs making unacceptable. I have heard too many teachers let it go.

Nice pic but where are his hobnobs?

Will, are you worried that kids will continuously come up with new names to discriminate against gay people, or do you think that bringing this up as an open topic with our children allows the 'normalisation' of homosexuality?

He's staying longer? How lovely is he!

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Stonewall's twitter page, I will pop over and have a look.

I see what you mean about sex education vs language. Thanks!

Hope they're looking after you at MNHQ.

I didn't think that the word gay was insulting, I'm really sorry,
I apologize

Hi Will. Don't have a question just wanted to tell you how fab your were in Carabet (first night at Manchester Opera House - sorry we were late!) and that 'Leave Right Now' is a regular play in my house. Good Luck on the campaign, you're a very talented and inspiring young man

thank you to all who have posted questions , it has been a pleasure answering as many as i can and learning of your experiences. thank you

the more we educate people through just highlighting the offense their language might cause, it is a great way of ensuring that our children can grow up in a world that is loving and accepting and more importantly they become great people themselves who are open minded and therefore open to the richness of life.

if you would like to donate to the Stonewall campaign, please text the word GAY to 70500, to donate £5 which will allow more resources to go into secondary schools

even if you want to purchase a Stonewall t shirt and wear it around your home, town or the school gates (!) then please go to the link below

www.stonewall.org.uk/what_you_can_do/buy_your_stonewall_merchandise/default.asp

much love

Will x

Thanks Will
And thanks to MN for supporting this campaign.

Thank you!

Slightly in love with Will Young now.

Thank you Will. I didn't see the interview, but I am glad you also spoke out about the use of dyke as an insult.