How do you address students saying “that’s gay” in class?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

GLSEN has a a whole campaign called ThinkB4YouSpeak with an educator’s guide with support and steps you can take to address this issue in the classroom.

https://www.glsen.org/article/thinkb4youspeak-guide-educators-grades-6-12

The Human Rights Campaign also has a short two-pages on how to address this.

https://hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/Welcoming-Schools-What_Do_You_Say_to_Thats_So_Gay.pdf

likehelpful

My public answer is like those above, however in practice I get a bit more involved.

As a gay man English teacher I have the opportunity to talk about word choice and connotations, sometimes my response will go something like this, "Alex, when you say 'that's gay' what do you mean? Because part of me feels that you mean lesser or something equally troubling and then I worry about how you may have the same feelings about me as a teacher."

It's a classroom rapport thing ultimately, but I always try to tie harmful language to the people it actually hurts.

like

I definitely have a similar conversation. I also typically try to tie it into what about all of the students here who have LGBTQ family members- how does it make them feel when we use certain language? I feel like this has worked for me because almost everyone has at least one queer aunt/uncle/cousin/sibling. I've found this leads to kids being able to open up to say like "I think my brothers gay". Then we can talk about how to support their family member.

upliftinglike

Treat it like any other derogatory phrase students use in class.

like

For sure!

I usually respond with something like, that is not an insult. It actually seems to work after a while.

like

Yes, as an LGBT teacher I respond with there is nothing wrong with being gay. And I make a big deal about it. I had a few students thank me after a student made a scene trying to say someone was “being gay”. Or “that’s gay”

like

I'll second the first comment. I just treat it as any other insult a student might make and give them the appropriate punishment. I do make it clear it to my entire class that such remarks are not to be said at all, period.

like

if I'm feeling spicy and I get along with the class, I'll say, "Hey! That's MISTER Gay to you!'

I treat it as any other derogatory thing when it’s said, except sometimes I’ll add, “Unless you meant it was so good. If you meant it was great, then, cool, it was so gay!” At that point, they look at me like I’m crazy because of course that’s not how they meant it. Now we can have a discussion about how when you always associate “gay” with something negative, it hurts, it’s as putdown, and it makes this gay teacher feel pretty awful. If anything, it makes the entire class stop and think about how words can be associated with negative or positive connotations.

Related Posts

What is the TC range for managers in Accenture's Salesforce practice? Coming in with 4 YOE, 7x SF certs and am currently manager in the Technical Architect team at a boutique SI partner(1000-3000) employees. Thanks for the help! Accenture

likefunny

Hey Guys, Likes Please to activate DM

like

What are some of the best paid medical fields that don't require a doctorate? Certifications are absolutely fine. I just can't afford to go into doctorate-level debt

like

I still get really nervous before doing telehealth video calls! I'm never this way face to face.

like

Thoughts on tech advisory KPMG vs PwC

like

Are Kuroni Tokyo Chronograph watches any good / worth the price? Any owners here?

like

My Creative Directors, who are strong copywriters, are really struggling to collaborate with Art Directors. Are there programs or classes that teach creative collaboration and the creative process?

like

How is Arcesium llc dxc company to work for? Should i join them as. Tech lead frotnend. I have 7 years experience? In adobe i am sde3.Arcesium

like

Hi fishes,
I work as an Assistant Manager at EY Gds. I am trying to switch for past few months, but, havent been able to. Now, I am thinking to upskill myself in tech, i already know PowerBi, what else can I start learning ?
Yoe- 6 years
Package- 13 lpa fixed
Domain - research

Please suggest, i know i have potential, i have been a top performer in my career, but not landing a job is making my anxious and depress, every passing day 😞

like

Today i got my variable bonus of 10k, i get 59k inhand every month in which 2k gets deducted as tax, today along with the bonus of 10k I got 67k inhand and tax deducted is 4.5k. I'm kinda lost. Can someone pls explain y this?

Anyone do their own bridal makeup? Any advice or thoughts?

like

What do you think about the upcoming recession
Does crisil fire employees in case of the recession

How long does it usually take to clear conflicts? Mid level. Around 50 client matters.

like

I was selected for Tata Consultancy ,got offer letter and a joining date for 5th September 2022.I have left my job at Mobile Programming thinking i will get joining.It is 13th October 2022,I have not got any joining.I am actively looking for a job elsewhere. My Skills are java,springboot, Rest api, Javascript Years of Experience are 4 years Can you please refer me in your company ?

like
like

Gift ideas for my childhood baby sitter's granddaughter..She graduated with an Engg degree last year during Covid and just finally landed a job with Reliance.. She's the first engineer in the family and I'm so proud of her.. I want to send her something from Amazon but can't really think of a good gift.. Any suggestions?

likeuplifting

Jab chuna hi hai usey qatl ka hunar dekh kar

Toh mayoos kyun ho laashon ka sahar dekh kar..

Om Shanti Shanti 🙏🏾

like

I have resigned from EY GDS on the e-exit portal a few days back. What are the next steps that I need to do.
Also, when will I get a mail to submit my assets and for any other formalities.

like

Hi 🐟fam, looking to take a week vaca w/the family in mid-Oct...recs for best family friendly (aka fun for kids) Marriott in warmer weather locs (in or out of US) Kids are 5 & 7, travelling from MN.

Additional Posts in LGBT Educators

Hi. I’m new to Fishbowl, and to this particular bowl as well. If you are out to your students, how did they take your coming out? How did it go over with parents? This question is especially directed to those in “red states”.

like

I hope everyone is taking care of themselves and their loved ones.

likeuplifting

This past week I got an envelope hand delivered to me by a student I do not teach. In it was a trans pin she had bought for me, as well as a drawing and a letter of thanks.

Again, this is not my student, but I think this speaks to the power of visibility. Students need to know we are members of society. All I did was wear my own trans pin and “love is love” pin on my lanyard, and my trans flag mask (occasionally).

But for that student it was enough.

Post Photo
like

Hi all! I’m new to Fishbowl and happy to find this group! I’ve been on a mission to make my school a more inclusive place. Anyone have experience with “alliance” groups at the elementary level?

likeuplifting

Can I brag about something I’m really proud of?

This summer there was a sale on First Book for LGBT books, so I decided I was going to create a collection of titles that students at my school could borrow. Every book in the white bookshelf of the attached picture is LGBT, ready and waiting for the student that might need it.

Post Photo
likeuplifting

How are you supported (or not) in your school as an LGBT person?

I live in a very small rural community. I am trying to start a LGBTQ+ Alliance group for my students. Currently my administration is on board, but you can see the apprehension as I talked with them this morning.

I am not sure how to proceed, they approve but do not want me to be school sponsored "for liability" reasons. How are we supposed to do anything if I can't use the buses, or take them to things sponsored by the LGBT Community? HELP! Please no haters.

like

Hi All! My colleague and I are strong LGBTQ+ allies and with our principals support we are looking to start a GSA. We are in an elementary school and not really sure where to start. Any ideas?

like

So, last year, our GSA died of its own weight. This year, in addition to everything else I’m doing, I’ve been approached by a number of students to resurrect it. I am thrilled.

likeuplifting

Now that SCOTUS has provided LGBT+ employees with Title VII protections from discrimination, do you think that will make it easier to be an LGBT+ educator?

like

Today a student told me "I don't like gay teachers". It hurt more than I thought it would because I've worked hard for a strong rapport with him. Anyone else have kids speak to you like this?

like

Wondering: how many of us have wanted to be more explicit in educating about LGBT+ issues, development, history (etc.) But couldn't due to a significant barrier? If this is you what was the barrier?

like
like

I just had a student come to me to explain she just came out to her mother and her mother took it horribly. She is talking about sending her away to boarding school. How should I go about addressing.

like

I was in the copy room one morning and a fellow teacher came up to me and whispered that her friend saw me on Grindr. I played it cool and she said "we have lives outside of school" but it was weird.

like

I don’t know if coming out is something I should do or not anymore. My girlfriend and I want to get married in the next couple of years but thats not something I want to keep secret. It hurts me that I feel like I have to do that, but I don’t want to risk losing my job. I know they can’t fire me for being in a wlw relationship but they don’t have to give a reason. I don’t want the backlash of the community either since the area I teach in is really rural. Just sad I guess.

like

Is anyone running a GSA or SAGA club virtually? How?

like

How's Pride month treating everyone this year?

like

My partner is a cancer survivor, and I brought her in to talk to my kids. I had her stay for one of our GSA meetings and did something I have never done before--I answered questions about our journey together. It felt very liberating, but still scary.

likeuplifting

Last year I told my class about my partner and it was the best decision ever made. My admins, students, and parents were supportive and had no affect at all. I can’t wait to share my loved ones each year and how I joined a Varsity Gay League Kickball team as well. I even have parents interested in creating a team. So thankful for the community I teach in❤️

likeuplifting

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal