Tackling homophobic language in schools

Bury is supporting a national campaign by Stonewall to tackle homophobic language in schools.

The campaign comes in response to research showing that 99 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school, and 84 per cent are distressed when they hear this language.

The hard-hitting new campaign, during Anti-Bullying Week, is fronted by Will Young and supported by Mumsnet. Posters have been sent to schools across Britain stating clearly ‘Gay. Let’s Get the Meaning Straight’. The posters are accompanied by new guidance for both pupils and teachers to enable them to challenge the derogatory use of the word gay.

Councillor Trevor Holt, Bury Council’s equalities spokesman, said: “We’re doing a lot of work with schools to tackle all forms of bullying and harassment. This use of the word ‘gay’ is a particular problem with young people, so we have held training days for high school pupils and staff to raise awareness of homophobic language and foster better understanding and relationships.”

Bury Council is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and is currently ranked 37^th in the Workplace Equality Index of top employers.

Will Young said: “The word ‘gay’ is currently used as one of the worst insults by young people of all ages in Britain’s schools. It’s clear from the shocking levels of self-harm and suicide among gay young people that we’re failing an entire generation. It’s time to take a stand and put a stop to this deeply damaging use of homophobic language.”

Justine Roberts, founder of campaign partners Mumsnet, said: “We should all be challenging our children's use of homophobic language and simply shouldn't tolerate phrases like ‘that's so gay’ which are in everyday use in school playgrounds. Parents, working with schools, really can stamp out this type of language which is demeaning, hurtful and offensive to so many.”

Stonewall’s deputy chief executive Ruth Hunt said: “We know that many people who casually use the term ‘that’s so gay’ don’t intentionally mean to be offensive. But the reality is that their words cause offence and distress. That’s why we’re launching this flagship campaign so teachers and parents have the resources to tackle the problem head on. We want every young person, teacher and parent in Britain to challenge this language and change the culture of our schools.”

Mumsnet and Stonewall are asking individuals to get involved by writing to or tweeting their local schools as well as challenging their own children’s use of homophobic language.

Individuals can get involved by visiting www.stonewall.org.uk/ABW13, following @stonewalluk on Twitter or liking the StonewallUK Facebook page. Join the conversation by also using #GetOverIt

ENDS

Issued: 21 November 2013.

Enquiries: Richard Lane, Media Manager, on 020 7593 3469 or 07525 359960

Notes to editors:

·  Stonewall is the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity founded in 1989: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/

·  Stonewall has case studies available for interview - both young people and spokespeople to discuss the new campaign as well as their experiences of homophobic language.

·  99 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school

·  Only 10 per cent of gay young people say that staff intervene every time they hear homophobic language

·  84 per cent of gay young people are distressed when they hear the word ‘gay’ used as an insult

·  All stats are from polling included in Stonewall’s School Report 2012. www.stonewall.org.uk/schoolreport

·  68 per cent of parents don’t know if their children’s school has policies to tackle homophobic language. Figure from a Mumsnet and Stonewall Survey completed on Nov 13. 1,011 respondents. Data is not weighted. Survey open to all with a school aged child.