Recently I witnessed a discussion between three of my classmates. The conversation consisted of the incorrect use of the word gay. Okay, I didn’t do anything about it, but I couldn’t, except I’m doing something now. Using gay as an insult? I think it is completely immature. In this day and age especially, but obviously some people don’t know better. So maybe students need to be taught more about this. So, does this happen often? Are students or people in general using “gay” this way? (It rhymed. I’m a poet) If it is being used incorrectly within schools, struggling LGBTI+ youth can find it a lot harder to come to terms with their sexuality. LGBTI+ students are getting bullied a lot more than other students, triggering a lot more mental illnesses. It has been proven that LGBTI+ persons are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, than the rest of the heterosexual population. They are also at a greater risk of self-harm and suicide.
Quoting Beyond Blue research sources. “Among the LGBTI+ populations, research clearly indicates discrimination, abuse (both physical and verbal), exclusion and prejudice are key contributors to the increased rates in depression, anxiety and self-harm.” So to round up my point, I think it’s unfair. If you are gay or part of the LGBTI+ community, it isn’t a bad thing and shouldn’t be perceived as a bad thing. Especially in schools, where bullying occurs most, it is vital you know this information. What I would like you to do is if you ever see a similar affair, document it. In your head not on your screens. It’s fine if you need to write it down somewhere. But think about it and think about what you want to happen in the future. Once you’re done, action is needed. If it’s within work, tell your boss and if it’s within your child’s school, tell their teacher or principal. Even if you just tell your partner or child. Or both. Gay is not an insult, in very few cases it is an adjective. Sexuality doesn’t define a human and from now on if your using gay as an adjective be sure you’re very, very happy. Authors Note I really want to know your opinion on this one.
13 Comments
maggie
8/31/2016 12:09:51 pm
great job on your writing piece ada
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Layla
8/31/2016 12:59:11 pm
Love it Ada!
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Airwrekka
9/2/2016 03:50:07 pm
Hooray for the future of our country. It took me until college, when I made my first openly gay friend, to realise just how damaging and detrimental a phrase like this could be.
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Ada
9/2/2016 03:54:48 pm
Thankyou! This comment made my day.
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scarlett
9/6/2016 11:38:33 am
well done Ada you have done a very good job on this post
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Emma
9/6/2016 12:28:13 pm
Love this Ada! Well done, you should be very proud of yourself. :)
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Takira
9/6/2016 05:41:49 pm
When I first heard someone being called gay, I was young but smart enough to remember my family teaching me that the word gay means happy. So when I heard this person refer to another as gay I reminded them of the true meaning of the word. It was enough for the bully to think about what they had said and walk away lost in new thoughts. Knowledge has power with the right calming gay phrases 😀
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Mr Gray
9/7/2016 09:59:21 am
Well done Ada. It is so refreshing to see that students are thinking of the bigger picture here. Words can be very hurtful when used incorrectly. As you grow older, you will find that there are many people around you who are coming to terms with their sexuality, and the incorrect usage of the term "gay" can be hurtful, and leave lasting scars on a person. Thank you for reminding people that careless words can be so very hurtful. And thank you for being brave enough to openly discuss this issue. Too many people are too scared to discuss things like this for fear of being labelled "gay".
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oliver
9/14/2016 12:43:29 pm
Good job ada its a rely good peace
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Mrs Kalis
11/17/2016 10:41:02 pm
What a great piece of writing Ada! I completely agree....what does it matter if someone is homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual? It's the PERSON and how they behave that defines them. I think we should all concentrate on more important things, such as kindness. If people could use their words for kindness instead of hateful bullying, either verbally, emotionally or physically, can you imagine how much happier the world would be?
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Pearl
3/17/2017 12:50:51 pm
Great piece of writing Ada I really enjoyed reading it
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Niamh
3/21/2017 02:08:50 pm
Great job Ada one of the most enjoyable things to read
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sara
6/13/2018 07:25:14 pm
wow is that true gay means happy!!
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AuthorA 12 year old girl, who loves to be creative (or at least think creatively) and has a strong passion for... ArchivesCategories |