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In other words, if there is no evidence of harm, it is difficult to argue that it is damaging. I argued that straight men’s use of phrases like “that’s so gay” could only be understood by three key factors: first, the intent with which it was said second, the social context (homophobic or otherwise) and third, the effect it had. Language has evolved and “gay” means something different to younger generations in particular contexts. Importantly, linguistic research supports their claims.
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For them, gay had two distinct meanings which they were able to distinguish between – when it refers to sexual identity and when it refers, separately, to something being “rubbish”. Given that labelling these students homophobic would be ridiculous, it was vital to consider how they were using this language and the reasons why.Īll of the men in my research insisted that they did not intend to be homophobic when they used the phrase. Yet several of them would also say “that’s so gay” when frustrated. These young men had openly gay friends, supported gay rights and condemned homophobia. My interest in the phrase “that’s so gay” developed when I researched straight male students at sixth form colleges. How are we to understand a phrase that older people find homophobic, but many younger people do not find offensive and even use themselves? We can only get to an answer by listening to the voices of young people and trying to understand their perspectives. He said: “I think it breaks down barriers between the straight and gay community… I use it a lot.” Similarly, Neil, gay and aged 18, said: “I don’t find it derogatory in any way, probably because I say it as well.” Yet the initial findings from my interviews with 40 gay youth from four universities suggests a more complex picture, with no clear agreement on what the phrase means or its effects.Ĭonsider Joe, a 19-year-old gay student at an elite university. Stonewall argues that the phrase has a harmful effect on young lesbian, gay and bisexual people’s education and well-being. Stonewall’s School Report argued this position, and it will be discussed in their upcoming Education Conference. The phrase “that’s so gay” has traditionally been understood as homophobic. Mark McCormack explains why for many young people, gay has two distinct meanings and does not necessarily represent a homophobic attitude.