Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teens experience homophobic remarks and harassment throughout the school day, creating an atmosphere where they feel disrespected, unwanted and unsafe. Homophobic remarks such as “that’s so gay” are the most commonly heard; these slurs are often unintentional and a common part of teens’ vernacular. Most do not recognize the consequences, but the casual use of this language often carries over into more overt harassment.
The rate at which students use and hear negative language about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people is huge. Over half of all students report hearing homophobic remarks often at school.
The common use of anti-LGBT language is directly related to an even bigger problem – the bullying and harassment of LGBT students. 9 out of 10 LGBT students report being harassed at school in the last year. Over one-third of LGBT students have been physically assaulted at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Such frequent harassment results in LGBT students being more likely than others to:
- Feel unsafe
- Miss school
- Receive lower grades
- Not attend college
Creating a safe environment for all students - LGBT and straight alike - begins with one simple act: thinking before you speak. A lot of anti-LGBT language is said carelessly, and isn’t intended as negative or hurtful. Understand what you’re saying, and think about the potential consequences of the words you choose.
This campaign, Think Before You Speak (
http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/), aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens. The campaign also aims to reach adults, including school personnel and parents; their support of this message is crucial to the success of efforts to change behavior.
If you find that you are passionate about this cause, and would like to do more, I would suggest:
- Say Something Original and pledge to be an ally to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. In becoming an ally, you promise not to use homophobic words and phrases – such as “that’s so gay” – and to educate others when you hear them being used. Once you’ve taken the pledge, invite your friends to do the same! Find the pledge here:
http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/SignThePledge
- Join (or start!) your school's GSA. Participating in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and similar clubs are a great way for students to make their schools safer. These student-led clubs work to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools and promote respect for all students. To find out if your school already has a GSA or to get information on how to start one, register at
http://www.studentorganizing.org/.
- Participate in a Day of Action. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students around the country participate in GLSEN’s four national Days of Action: the Day of Silence, Ally Week, TransAction! and the Dr. MLK Jr. Organizing Weekend. During these Days of Action, students organize events, hold rallies and take other actions to draw attention to the problem of anti-LGBT bullying in schools. To find out more, visit
http://www.dayofsilence.org/.
- Get involved with a GLSEN chapter. Local GLSEN chapters are working everyday to make schools safer in their communities. By volunteering with a GLSEN chapter, you can make a difference beyond your hallways and improve the safety of every school in your community. To find a GLSEN chapter near you, visit
http://www.glsen.org/.
<3 and peace, Helena
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