The Use of the Word 'Gay' Here and Across the Pond

Columnist Shonda Campbell asks for responsibility to be taken in an editorial at Cherry Grrl. Shonda asks that when we hear children as young as kindergarten saying things like, "that's gay," when they don't even know what they're saying, what messages are we sending the future leaders of America? She then links to GLSEN's Think Before You Speak campaign for information on ending its overt use, and leaves readers with something to think about.

Be careful of what you say, because once it is out there, it can never be taken back. Respecting others as you would want to be respected should be like breathing. Involuntary.

The slanderous usage of the word gay isn't shouted soley in the hallways and classrooms here in the U.S. It's heard behind closed doors at home and on television all over the world. Well-known British actor Ian McKellen of X-Men and Lord of the Rings fame recently pointed out to a group of sixth grade students in England that the use of the word "gay" is discouragingly prevalent, but he believes in a formidable solution.

The word gay has become used as a derogatory term and this is something which education can help to resolve.