faggot

faggot.

the word slices through my skin like the sharp blade of a knife.

a six letter phrase that has been used throughout history to demean homosexuals simply because they are different.

it's a word thrown carelessly in the hallways or written in comments on YouTube videos.

and we ignore it.

so many look the other way when these hateful words are spoken for fear of seeming rude.

but why is it rude to stand up for someone's rights?

why is it socially unacceptable to defend someone else against prejudice?

why do we allow people to use the word "gay" to describe things that are weird, unfortunate, or different?

society has made huge strides as to how members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated:

gay marriage

workplace equality

gay-straight alliance clubs in schools.

but what about in everyday life?

to schools:

teach sexuality-neutral sex ed.

talk about gay relationships.

normalize them.

to parents:

do not assume your kids are straight.

don't call your three-year old son a "lady's man".

stop sexualizing your toddler.

make sure you let your kids play with the toys they want.

girls can play with hot wheels.

boys can play with dolls.

to friends:

stand up against homophobia.

if someone says something's gay, call them out.

let them know it's offensive.

it's been awhile since i have seen someone get bullied for their sexuality

but the homophobia is still there.

it is there when you describe someone's sexuality before you say their name.

it is there when you say something is gay because it is different.

it is there when you use the words "fag" or "dyke",

even if you aren't talking about someone who's gay.

perhaps you don't think it's homophobic to say "no homo" when you complement your friends.

perhaps you don't think it's offensive to say that your girlfriend kissing another girl at a party doesn't count as cheating.

but when you've spent your entire life fighting to feel normal even simple words like "faggot" can tear up the wall inside of you built by years of oppression.

years of wondering why everyone else is attracted to people of the opposite sex and you aren't.

years of seeing exclusively straight characters in books and movies.

years of wishing for the courage to tell your parents the secret you've been keeping in for so long.

years of watching everyone else fall in love while you're sitting alone in the corner

because you're not out

and neither is anybody else.

so when you speak,

think.

think of who you're speaking about.

don't degrade a group's entire history with just one word.

faggot.