Homophobia

Homophobic comments like "you fag" are very common in the halls of many middle schools and high schools. Yet, it is difficult to understand why young people choose to degrade others with these non-heterosexual terms.

"The majority of kids from this community tend to fear A.I.D.S. and gays, " says Tama Robertson. Part of the reason for this fear may be that adolescents are just beginning to explore their new-found sexuality. They are trying hard to understand themselves, and uncomfortable concepts, such as sexual differences, are expressed by fear. So what do teachers do when their students call each other "Gay!"

Vickie Holloway had this to offer: "Words are simply words and it is the meaning that they convey. I say I'm personally offended. But if they are just using that language I will pull them aside and say, 'when you talk like that do you realize that you send a message to others about who you are?'" She continues, "If there is a homophobic comment in class, it is my job to facilitate the discussion and to do something about it."

Margaret Joseph asked, "Do these homophobic biases come from their home environment or result from lack of experience or fear...?" Betty Anderson replied, "When I look at kids and I see where they're coming from, I think it can be a personal identity crisis, family issues, peer pressure. There are so many factors, I don't think there is any one cause."

How does a teacher deal with a student who opens up about a realization that she or he is gay? Anderson believes it's the teacher's responsibility to help students make the connections. "If we're not comfortable or we don't know the information, we help them to make connections with folks who can help them. We see more students in high school who are openly gay or who are pursuing a gay lifestyle. I think with those students there's a sense of pride...but students can also encourage negative comments and set themselves up. It's a scary, difficult time for students."

Jimmy Roberts shared this, "I tell students that not everyone is alike out there. When they use the word 'Fag' I say, 'You should never use that word because it is a put down word. If you want to say something, you might say something like 'homosexual' or 'lesbian.'"

Holloway puts it in perspective. "If we could just teach kids that people are people. We have many teenagers who believe that, but there are also many who never see that. It's difficult when you see a student struggling with his or her sexuality or just trying to fit in."