“That’s gay.” 

“Your mom is gay.” 

“That’s so bad – that’s gay.” 

I hear this around the hallways during school, and students insist that this referring to things as “gay” is just a harmless phrase. They say they are just expressing their frustration and insisting it’s nothing bad, really. 

As a person with parents who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, this not only annoys me but saddens me, as well. I know the adversities that my parents have faced, ignoring the fact that they were gay for so long and eventually coming to accept themselves. This behavior among my peers enrages me. Still, in the 21st century, this type of homophobic language is used. After years of homosexuality not being accepted and considered taboo, it hurts to hear that these slurs are a part of our society now, that people who have the courage to be themselves are criticized and put down. 

Don’t say it. It’s not funny, and there are a variety of words and actions we can say besides “that’s gay.” Try having human decency. 

“That’s gay” isn’t the only homophobic comment I’ve heard. There are also comments made regarding the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s all about the context and what you’re implying by saying “that’s gay.” Maybe you’re not trying to be mean or hurtful, but saying “that’s gay” can connote negative feelings towards people in the LGBTQIA+ community. As teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality, and during a time like high school when most students are insecure about themselves already, hearing someone say “that’s gay” can lower self-esteem. 

Homophobic language doesn’t just reinforce negative perceptions, but could lead to a general intolerance of those who are different. Teenagers need to stop having this prejudicial behavior. Schools can put up posters and make us more aware that we should not use that type of language, but it’s still used. 

It’s not just harmless banter. It’s not funny. It’s uncool. I’m tired of hearing it. I’m done, and I’m disappointed. Be aware of the words you say because it hurts feeling out of place and isolated. Whenever you hear someone say “that’s gay” or any type of homophobic language, just tell them to stop.