Every day we hear a multitude of hurtful names in and around our schools. These insults take many forms, and all are hurtful. Racial, ethnic, sexual and homophobic slurs are particularly potent because they reflect and continue a history of oppression. Students do not benefit from reliving this oppression over and over. Nor do they succeed at school when their self-esteem is attacked continually. As educators, we should be able to sense the anger, pain and humiliation of the targeted students. Part of our job is to create a learning environment where diversity is recognized and celebrated, so that all students are safe to just "be" who they are.If teachers and other adults do not act to confront name-calling and bigotry, students quickly get the message that hatred of one group or another is condoned by our society and its institutions. This is particularly true for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer) youth today.

Section A û Rationale: BC Court Win for Straight Student Taunted as “Homo” and “Gay” -- Prevalence of Name-Calling, Intimidation and Harassment -- School Climate Quiz -- Section B û Strategies with Students -- Dealing with Homophobic Comments and Name-calling -- How to Support Students Who are Victims of Anti-Gay Slurs -- Anti-Gay Bullying: What Can You Do About It? -- Ten Things You Can Say or Do When You Hear “Thatʼs so gay!” -- “Zero Indifference”: Doʼs and Donʼts Of Name-Calling -- Responding to “Thatʼs So Gay” -- Responding to Name-Calling in School -- Section C û Educational Leadership for Changing School Culture -- Changing the School Culture; Breaking the Code of Silence -- BCSTA Passes Motion to Protect LGBTQ Students -- Tips for Educators: Responding to Anti-Gay Rhetoric and Anger -- Tips for Administrators: Providing Leadership on LGBTQ Issues -- Section D û Lesson Plans -- Lesson 1. Whatʼs In a Name? -- Lesson 2. Why Call Names? -- Lesson 3. Zackʼs Story -- Lesson 4. Passive, Aggressive and Assertive -- Lesson 5. Assertive Statements -- Lesson 6. Homophobic Slurs in the Classroom --LESSON 7: Quick Comebacks to Name-Calling -- Section E û Top Resources: Books -- Videos -- Helpful LGBTQ Web Sites -- BCTF Anti-Homophobia Professional Development Workshops.