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

[RabbitRocket]

Dribble.....he is sooooo lush! I want to marry Will!

[JustAWaterForMePlease]

RabbitRocket... I'm not sure, but I think you might be barking up the wrong tree there.

[Bradsplit]

will seems to have the hair of a medieval monk.

wtf is that about

[Bradsplit]

oh its his HAT!!!

ahaha
I thought he had got himself a tonsure!

[ItsOkayItsJustMyBreath]

[ItsOkayItsJustMyBreath]

I bet he smelt divine...

Can you confirm this please Rowan?

[OneStepCloser]

ha ha ItsOkay, I always think Will would smell rather gorgeous, but I just thought I was being a bit odd! glad to see its not just me, but Id love a sniffty

[TiggyD]

Thank you for coming on here Will. You are of course gorgeous, but I think your internet hat needs a rethink.

This issue is important. It's amazing how many very nice, gay friendly people just don't get it.

[Sejal1]

Sorry late to see this but am so excited to find this thread on Mumsnet. As lesbian parents of a baby boy, what our son experiences when he gets to school has always been a worry and influenced decisions about where we want to settle eventually. People always assume ur straight when pregnant or a parent! Would be so fab to raise awareness of LGBT issues generally in family and school contexts and make sure every parent teaches their child that love is love.

[TotemPole]

Sejal1, so you're ok with use of the word 'straight'? I've been pulled up for using it. I never use 'bent' to mean gay. I just associate straight=hetro.

[Sejal1]

Yep, think 'straight' is ok... Haven't heard anyone feel dehumanised, insulted or otherwise perturbed by it before! Not quite the same as calling people bent... Got to consider history of marginalisation when thinking about language I suppose?

[TotemPole]

Their argument was that it implies you're thinking the opposite of straight is bent, so bent=gay. Though that isn't the case with me. I never use that word. I don't use faggot, dyke or queer either.

Just gay and straight. A lot easier to say than homosexual and heterosexual.

Though is queer more acceptable than the other words, thinking of Russel T. Davies series. But was that a case of 'owning' the word the same way a black person can use the N word without offending?

[PooInTheNight]

I think you can look to deeply in to the use of words. I call myself straight but that doesn't mean I think gay people are "bent". I also use the word queer but only for its original meaning.

[TiggyD]

The opposite of straight is curved.

Gay and straight is fine. I don't think "bent" is used much as an insult nowadays, and it was always a pretty minor insult.

[Sejal1]

totempole, totally agree that what words are acceptable and in what contexts is dependent on being part of that group. For example, I know lots of gay women who LOVE the word dyke. It feels sexy and empowering to us and it is most definitely not an insult. That doesn't mean I want to invite non-dykes to start calling me one because it takes on a new meaning that way. Respect is fairly simple really, isn't it?

[plantheather]

I really hope that 'gay' bullying is being dealt with in schools. My son went to a Church of England primary school and had a lot of bullying from other boys as young as 6 yrs. This must have come from their parents comments at home. The head and teachers didn't seem to think there was a problem. C of E schools need to get to grips with this type of behaviour and deal with it seriously. The memories of this still affect him and me today and, yes he is 'gay.' He's an amazing intelligent and hardworking man and supports Will Young in his campaign.

[KatieMumsnet]

Hi All

Just thought you might want to see this video - Will Young doing sterling work talking about the Get Over It campaign on Newsnight.