It doesn't matter if it's a first grader who might non know what the word "gay" ways, a sixth grader trying to audio absurd, or a tenth grader "teasing" a friend. All of these have the potential of creating an dangerous classroom or schoolhouse environment and must be addressed. So, what can caring adults practise?

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Stop It …

Keep it simple with quick responses:

  • "Remember, we don't use put-downs in this form."
  • "Do you know what 'gay' means?"
  • "It's non OK at this school to use 'gay' disrespectfully to mean something is bad."
  • "Y'all may not have meant to be hurtful, merely when you use the give-and-take 'gay' to hateful something is bad or stupid, it is hurtful."  Follow-up: "Do you know why it is hurtful?"
  • "Using the discussion 'homo' to tease someone is harassment and is unacceptable."
  • "Even if you lot didn't mean to offend people who are gay, it is offensive to phone call this assignment gay (or queer); if you don't like something, and then say you don't similar it!
  • "Information technology is never OK to say, 'y'all deed like a girl (or expect similar a male child)' as a put-down."
  • "Using the words 'queer', 'dyke' or 'fag' to joke around is not OK. These are hurtful words and can impact anyone who overhears them."
  • "Information technology doesn't thing who said it, I don't want to hear that kind of linguistic communication over again. Is that clear?"

Don't Ignore Information technology …

  • Harassment does non go away on its ain.
  • Ignoring mean name-calling and hurtful teasing allows it to continue and perhaps get worse.
  • If other students do not see action, they get the message at that place is goose egg wrong with it.
  • Non speaking up teaches not only the pupil targeted, but also anyone within hearing range that they will non be protected from harassment.
  • Almost any response is better than ignoring the situation. You may non know exactly what to say, but you lot must cease the harassment.
  • Taking action reaffirms limits. Interrupting name-calling and harassment isn't always like shooting fish in a barrel. With feel you will go more than comfortable in handling information technology. Practice with colleagues.
  • You can always go back to the student and say or do something else if you lot feel you did not respond well.

Educate …

  • If you have the fourth dimension and opportunity to educate on the spot, do it. If you don't, make fourth dimension later.
  • If y'all have been hearing the phrase "That's gay" or "no human being," take time during class to brand certain that your students know what "gay" ways and know why information technology is hurtful to use as a comment or put-down.
  • Be clear that using the word "gay" in a negative manner is disrespectful. 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 prepared to provide accurate information. For the youngest students, keep it simple – for example, "the word gay describes a homo and a homo or a woman and a adult female who beloved each other." As students get older, they may desire more explanations and discussion.
  • In lessons on respect, prejudice or civil rights include information about bigotry against LGBTQ people and the LGBTQ civil rights move.

Be Proactive …

  • Develop an surround of respect and caring for all students in your school and classroom using inclusive linguistic communication, books and other materials.
  • Establish clear schoolwide and classroom policies against hurtful teasing and bullying. Ensure that all members of the school community empathize what the policies are and why they are important.
  • Be explicit that rules against hurtful name-calling include "That's gay!" "Homo!" "Fag!" "Tranny!" "Sissy!" and other LGBTQ put-downs.
  • Develop the capacity of students and educators to exist allies that stand up for students who are harassed.

This handout was developed in partnership between the National Educational activity Clan (NEA) and the Man Rights Campaign Foundation's Time to THRIVE and Welcoming Schools.

*LGBTQ+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (community members who utilize unlike linguistic communication to depict identity)

The Human Rights Entrada reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Entrada Foundation that are of interest to the full general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.