That's So "Gay"

Lately, throughout our school, media and community, it seems as though the word "gay" has been a frequent topic of discussion. The term "gay" is popping up everywhere, from the news with the recent teen suicides due to teen anti-gay bullying (learn about Tyler Clementi's tragic suicide here) to the popular TV show Glee. No matter what your views are on gay rights or gay marriage, it is important to recognize the increasing importance of the term and the implications of labeling.

In basic and well know terms, the term "gay" is used to describe people who are homosexual. However, the term has taken on some negative meanings in our culture today, creating some deep societal divisions. It is not uncommon to hear students say to one another in the hallways, "That's so gay" in regards to the fact that a teacher gave a pop quiz, or perhaps too much homework. "Gay" has now taken on negative meanings such as dumb or stupid. By giving this word new, negative connotations, we are hurting an entire class of people within our society. I don't think society is trying to call those people dumb or stupid, but by using this word so casually and in wrong, negative terms, we are, in the end, just drawing deeper divisions between the gay and straight classes of people in our society and country.

Labels such as gay or straight are effective in classifying one's sexual orientation, that is true. However, why else must they be prominent in our society? Society seems to be obsessed with whether someone is gay or straight, and which class (gay or straight) that one guy in your psychology class falls under. "Gay" doesn't need to be a term that draws deep divisions in society or create tense class separations.

The term "gay" can most definitely be used appropriately and respectfully to classify someone. (Read more about terminology like the word "gay" and its usages at Kyle's Blog )However, it is when the word "gay" creates class divisions and conflict that the word becomes problematic. Gay or straight, all people deserve the same respect and someone's class should not change that. There are already enough social divisions as it is, with conflict between rich vs. poor, black vs. white, male vs. female, that our society does not need gay vs. straight to draw even deeper lines within classes in society.

Below is a clip from the popular TV show "Glee" which I believe is a step in the right direction for gay acceptance in society. In this clip, Kurt confronts a fellow classmate about his ignorance and fear of homosexuality. Kurt is taking a step towards eliminating fear and the conflict that the classmate creates when he participates in anti-gay bullying. Next time you're about to say "gay" when talking about something other than sexual orientation or about to mutter "That's so gay!" under your breath when a teacher announces fifty pages of reading for homework, stop and think about what you really mean, and what the implications of your words mean on specific people and our culture.

-Emily