Say NO to Homophobic Language at Moorfield Primary School

2. Say NOto Homophobic Languageat Moorfield Primary School

3. Let us challenge and respond to homophobia in creating an inclusive, safer and happier school for all.

4. I wonder what the impact of homophobic language can be on others.

5. I wonder how I should respond if I hear homophobic language?

6. How can I help to prevent homophobic language in my school?

7. Stereotypes As a group tell me names, phrases, stereotypes and labels that are associated with each group • Lesbian • Gay Man

8. It can’t harm them can it? It’s only a name and I get called names all of the time.

9. Did you know…? Young people who identify as LGBT are – • At least 2.5 timesmore likely to self harm.. • 5 timesmore likely to need medication for depression.. • At least 3 times more likely to attempt suicide • 20 times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder Information taken by the “Shout Report 2003”

10. The Statistics • 99 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school • 84 per cent of gay young people are distressed when they hear the word ‘gay’ used as an insult • 68 per cent of parents don’t know if their children’s school tackle homophobic language

11. Is this acceptable? NoHomophobes.com looks at the use of homophobic language on Twitter and found that: So gay: used on average over 10,000 times daily No homo: used on average over 10,000 times daily Faggot: used on average over 45,000 times daily Dyke: used on average over 4,000 times daily

12. There must be something can we do There are many different ways to go about tackling homophobic language, but the most important thing is that we do challenge it.

13. Why should we challenge homophobic language?

14. It is our shared responsibility to make all children feel safe in our school. By not responding to homophobic language pupils’ confidence and self-esteem will be affected, as well as their attainment at school.

15. How should you respond if you hear homophobic language?

16. “That is sooooo GAY!” • Rarely referring to sexual orientation • Remember; - that it’s a negative thing; - that it’s hurtful to people who are gay and to young people whose parents and carers, family members, or friends are gay.

17. Responses • Question them • Challenge them • Give ‘I’ messages

18. “The school anti-bullying/behaviour policy is clear that homophobic language will not be tolerated.” • “This school does not tolerate language like that.”

19. Question • “What do you mean by that?” • “What makes you think that?” • “Do you mean that as a compliment or an insult?” • “Do you realise that what you said is homophobic?” • “Would you feel happy if someone was talking like that about your sister / brother?” • “Can you explain what you mean by calling that (object) gay?”

20. Challenge • “Language like that is not acceptable.” • “You might not think that remark is offensive, but many would.”

21. ‘I’ Messages • “I am not happy with what you said.” • “I am really surprised to hear you using that type of homophobic language.”

22. Mark is new to the school and is in your Year 5 group. As the class come into the room you hear Louise say, “Mark, those trainers you are wearing are really gay.”

23. “That kind of language is homophobic and you know you are not allowed to use homophobic remarks. Homophobia is as bad as racism and sexism.” • “What do you mean they are gay? Is that a compliment? You are right; Abdul’s trainers are very nice!”

24. “Have you ever considered what it must be like for gay people to hear that kind of stuff? How do you think it is going to make them feel if they keep hearing the word gay used in a negative way?” • “I am really disappointed to hear you talking in that way. I hoped you would welcome new students and make them feel supported. I also thought you would realise that using the word gay in a negative way is offensive to gay people and therefore would not use that kind of homophobic language.”

25. You over hear a group of girls talking about a girl in the year group who has same sex parents. Amy says, “ I bet Julie’s a lezzer too.” The group are laughing loudly at this.

26. “Amy, in this school, we do not use homophobic language like that. There is nothing wrong with being a lesbian.” • “How do you think Julie feels hearing you talk about her mum like that? How do you think her mum would feel? Would you like it if someone said nasty things about your mum?”

27. “It does not matter whether someone has two mums or two dads. The important thing is that they love and look after each other and that they love and look after their children.” • “I am really disappointed to hear you talk like that Amy. I hoped you had realise that it is important to be kind to everyone.”

28. Top 3 What we CAN do

29. ALL OF US MUST CHALLENGE HOMOPHOBIC LANGUAGE EVERY TIME THEY HEAR IT 1

30. MAKE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHY HOMOPHOBIC LANGUAGE IS OFFENSIVE 2

31. INVOLVE PARENTS IF PUPILS PERSIST 3

32. Signposting It is important for a young person to know about the support organisations which exist in Northern Ireland. These organisations are best-placed to answer any in-depth questions a young person may have, they can provide support and advice in a professional and affirming way. HERE NI - 028 9024 9452 Lesbian Line - 028 9023 8668 hello@hereni.org The Rainbow Project – 028 9031 9030 Gay Helpline – 028 9032 2023 gavin@rainbow-project.org Cara-Friend – 028 9089 0202 Youth Action – 028 9024 0551 admin@cara-friend.org.uk GLYNI – 028 9089 0202 mark.brown@cara-friend.org.uk Belfast Education and Library Board – Gillian Cuthbert gillian.cuthbert@belb.co.uk CREDIT: www.belb.org.uk