Insults

Problematic Terminology

Article published on December 2, 2002 in GLAAD

Sorted in Definitions, Dossiers, Insults, Prejudices

PROBLEMATIC: “homosexual” (as a n. or adj.) PREFERRED: “gay” (adj.); “gay man” or “lesbian” (n.) Please use “lesbian” or “gay man” to describe people attracted to members of the same sex. Because of the clinical history of the word “homosexual,” it has been adopted by anti-gay activists to suggest that lesbians and gay men are [...]

Defamatory Language to Avoid

Article published on December 2, 2002 in GLAAD

Sorted in Definitions, Dossiers, Facts, Insults

“fag,” “faggot,” “dyke,” “homo,” “queen,” “she-male,” “he-she,” “tranny” and similar epithets.The criteria for using these derogatory terms should be the same as those applied to hate words for other groups: they should not be used except in a direct quote which reveals the bias of the person quoted. So that such words are not given [...]

Jonathan’s story

Story published on May 31, 2002 by Jonathan

Sorted in Homophobia at school, Insults, Loneliness, Stories

If I were asked to describe my experience as a gay youth, words would include confusion, fear, anxiety, severe depression and thoughts of suicide. The pain of being alone, with no one to talk too, and when no one seemed to understand was hard. In today’s society, being a gay youth is one of the most difficult things.

Why Does Our Child Flaunt His/Her Sexuality?

Article published on May 20, 2002 in PFLAG.org by PFLAG

Sorted in Dossiers, Coming out, Insults

Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are often accused of “flaunting” their sexuality when they “come out” as gay, when they are publicly affectionate with a same-sex partner, or when they wear gay symbols and T-shirts or participate in gay priden parades. In a world that still assumes all people are heterosexual, “coming out” is the only [...]

Gay In High School

Article published on May 16, 2002 in PrideVision TV by Thom Nickels

Sorted in Dossiers, Homophobia at school, Insults, Loneliness

When I was in high school in 1970, the issue of homosexuality never came up except as a joke. Thursday's in those days was queer day, when anyone wearing white or green socks was called a homo. Kids would laugh when detecting the suspect colors but nobody really believed that there were homosexuals in the [...]

Homophobia – one word; many meanings

Article published on May 10, 2002 in ReligiousTolerance.org by ReligiousTolerance.org

Sorted in Dossiers, Homophobia at school, Insults

What is Homophobia”The suffix “phobia” is derived from the Greek word “phobos”. In English, it means either fear or loathing. “Homophobia” has a variety of meanings, including: ”hatred of homosexuality” ”hatred of homosexuals” ”fear of gays and lesbians” ”a desire or attempt to discriminate against homosexuals” The fourth option appears to be the dominant meaning [...]