UK Campaign Straightens Out the Meaning of "Gay"

Most of us have done it. I’ve done it. Katy Perry has done it. We’ve used the word ‘gay’ casually as an insult, not really meaning to cause offense. However, it’s still harmful. New research shows that “99% of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as “That’s so gay” or “You’re so gay” [and] 84% are distressed when they hear homophobic language.”

In response, British gay rights group Stonewall has teamed up with parental resource Mumsnet and British pop star Will Young for an awesome new campaign fighting “gay” insults at schools. They are working to challenge the derogatory use of the word with posters saying “Gay. Lets get over it”.

Pop star Young explains the importance of this project, saying

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 amongst 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.

Posters have been sent out to half of the secondary schools in the UK, but let’s save Stonewall the time and LGBTQ people the pain by agreeing to stop using “gay” as an insult. There's nothing insulting about it.