Think Before You Speak - Wordplay

Almost 90% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students report being verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation. LGBT teens experience homophobic remarks and harassment throughout the school day, creating an atmosphere where they feel disrespected, unwanted and unsafe. Homophobic remarks such as thats so gay are the most commonly heard; these slurs are often unintentional and a common part of teens vernacular. Most do not recognize the consequences, but the casual use of this language often carries over into more overt harassment.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in Americas schools. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens. The campaign also aims to reach adults, including school personnel and parents; their support of this message is crucial to the success of efforts to change behavior.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• ad
• council
• psa
• glsen
• think
• before
• you
• speak
• that's
• so
• gay
• jared
• dudley
• grant
• hill
• nba
• phoenix
• sun

[protectorofillinois3]

I've just seen this commercial yesterday and I like it very much. It bothers me very much when individuals say, "That's so gay." It's very offensive and very derogatory. Yet, people continue to still use this offensive term today. I don't let negativity get to me at all because I know there are negative people who are against me for being openly gay, and they will continue to say negative and horrendous things behind your back (I also admit to having a very violent past, but it's behind me now).

[johnriccardi]

You have the freedom of speech to say it, and we have the freedom of speech to ask you not to. We're not trying to pass any laws banning it, but just point out how uncool it is. I'm against saying words like retarded and the N word too of course. A lot of people get offended at them and there are plenty of alternative words you can use.

[senseihxcx]

Beastie boys...

[EspStinkBeatles]

I thought it was clever that the last guy thought enough to rhyme his insult. And what a terrible reason not to use "gay" in that context: "It's not creative."

[chachodude]

Hey does anybody know if this commercial is nationwide or just in phoenix??

[PaddyMacNasty]

I know gay people who use the term to mean this themselves. Yes we should try and avoid it but don't get too offended when it slips out. The intent of words are far more important than the literal meaning of them.

[uraine7626]

People need to stop playing dumb you know they mean when people are referring to your move are just gay and it's not happy...they are talking about homosexual. And it does make a different if they say your moves are so homosexual then just gay because they are still insulting gay people. Next time say your moves are so staight

[fifernutter969]

I'm sick and tired of arrogance, especially the arrogance in these comments. Why don't you guys get educated on the subject of gay rights and then comment on this video. I am lesbian myself and take offense when someone uses the word gay in a derogatory statement. It is degrading to me and to every gay person out there. Just keep in mind that people commit suicide because of people like you. Think before you speak!

[RuckalltheFules]

@TheHatchetHacker You just don't get it do you?

[TheTrueDefinition]

@tashalovsyou Well put! I agree. Why add to the conflict when you can simply avoid it and create a better environment for yourself and others by just not saying it? Even if people don't understand why it is offensive, it's just really disrespectful to continue doing it.

[TheTrueDefinition]

@TheHatchetHacker You must not understand what it's like. Which is common for most people. If it helps, try imagining someone using a word that described you or someone you love. All it really takes is using another word. No big deal. The suicide rate amongst gays is high already. Why would you knowingly add onto the oppression they deal with everyday? Also, it's misleading to say people are being intolerant of you. You're not the one being hurt here.

[Trittydi]

Wonderful and thanks for making it. It takes guts to make a public stand - I commend all involved. A recent study linked stupidity with hate and prejudice. That is clearly represented by some on this page.