So Gay . . .
As the father/step-father of 5 teenagers (give or take a year), I get more than my share of exposure to the lives of this generation we are currently raising.
Just as I did when I was their age, they have their share of annoying verbal habits, chief among them being the derisive comment that something is “so gay”. I have yet to hear “so gay” meant as a compliment or word of praise about something, so I can only assume that it is meant as a criticism of whatever it is they’re describing that way.
I happen to have an aunt and a brother who are gay, as well as many friends. The vast majority of them are bright, intelligent and highly creative individuals who are an absolute pleasure to be around.
So as you might imagine, I bristle when I hear “so gay” as an adjective to diminish or criticize something or someone.
I came across this video in a report on CNN. Apparently teen idol Hilary Duff is heading up a campaign to make people aware that the phrase they toss out so carelessly is in fact hateful and homophobic.
It’s only 30 seconds long. Well worth checking out…
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Thank you for sharing this video.. and for your post. Some of the work we do at White Ribbon Campaign is to address homophobia as we try to educate young men and boys on issues of gender and gender equality, healthy relationships.
Bravo for sharing.
Nick
p.s. Thank you for your inspiring message “Andy Health..” Having never met you, your message inspired me to do more and to do better - never give up!
Nick
Sadly, I hear adults say “so gay’ too. My brother and brother-in-law are a loving, committed gay couple. So, gay is good. Its hard to hear adults say speak ignorantly, engender the same behavior in their children, and then have it repeated for my kids’ ears.