FINALLY, some recognition in Western Society on the importance of language.
John Masanauskas’ “Push to help gay pupils with new anti-homophobia policy” (Herald Sun, June 02, 2009 ) reveals the possibility of a new policy to ensure teachers–adults, really–acknowledge all aspects of their ‘Duty of Care’ to protect ALL Students, including SSAY (Same Sex Attracted Youth).
Using the research of La Trobe University’s Associate Professor Anne Mitchell ” a gay and lesbian health expert whose research helped formulate the policy,” we are finally going to start the discussion of how terms like “that’s so gay” negatively affect our youth.
Yes, discouraging the use of “that’s so gay” IS important.
Whether you want to or not, we all know SSA people. But they might not feel comfortable sharing their life with you if you continue to use language that makes them feel stigmatized, or unaccepted.
Language has always been essential in welcoming friendship. That’s why we greet acquaintances with “Good Morning” and not “F%#k off”.
If we ignore derogatory language, we are complicit in perpetuating its use.
If we ignore SSAY, we are saying they are not worthy of acknowledgment.
AND notice boards, books, surveys about bullying and information about SSA people (10% of our world’s population) DO help to make SSAY feel like they are welcome and valued in our society.
How else do we want our children and friends and family to feel?
Tags: Associate Professor Anne Mitchell, Duty of Care, homophobia, John Masanauskas, La Trobe University, language use, MWF Schools program, schools, SSAY, that's so gay, the Herald sun
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