Why you need to stop saying “that’s so gay”
It’s not uncommon to hear the expression “that’s so gay” used as slang to describe something negative, annoying or unwanted.
If you use the term, you might be unaware that every time you call something gay in reference to something bad, you are linking homosexuality with negativity.
Think of it like this: How would you feel if someone was using your first name to describe something sh*tty that had happened? How would you feel if people latched onto the saying and suddenly all around the world, your name was being used to describe bad or annoying events?
Not great I bet. You might even start to feel ashamed of your name, or pretend to others that your name is something else.
Below we have created a little exercise to help hammer home the point – maybe next time you flippantly go to say ‘that’s so gay’, you’ll think of the impact your words might have upon members of the LGBT+ community.
1. *Drops phone in the loo*
Say out loud: “That’s so *insert the name of one of your parents*”
2. Having to get up early for work when it is still dark outside.
Say out loud: “That’s so *insert your BFF’s name*”
3. Getting dumped.
Say out loud: That’s so *insert name of your crush*”
4. Arguing with your best friend.
Say out loud: That’s so *insert your own name*”
5. Failing your driving test.
Say out loud: “That’s so *insert name of your first pet*”
