The Gay Word
How many times a day do you hear the word gay?
“Don’t be so gay”
“Oi gay boy!”
“Miss is so gay”
Half the time, when people use the word “gay”, they’re not meaning to be homophobic, they’re not aiming it at a gay person, to them it’s just another way of saying something’s rubbish.
But, If you aren’t lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning your feelings, just imagine what it must be like to hear one of the words that describes you thrown around all day as an insult.
Some gay people say that they’re used to it, but would you want to get used to being insulted?
Actor – John Barrowman, Singer - Beth Ditto, politician – Margot James, sports star Gareth Thomas, writer - Russell T Davies and entertainer Amy Lame are all out, proud, gay and incredibly successful at what they do – they aren’t rubbish, they rock, and they want to inspire the next generation. Read their stories in Aim High.
The Statistics
80% of UK schools are aware of homophobic bullying incidents
6% of schools have policies targeting homophobic bullying
About 1 in 3 young LGBTs self-harm or attempt suicide
More facts >>