Abusive or Offensive Language
Q1. Everyone at my school says “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” when they mean they don’t like something. When I asked my teacher why he never intervenes, he said it wasn’t hurting anybody and that I should lighten up. What can I do? Q2. I’m trans and I get called names like “he-she” and “tranny.” Students in my class even have a song going. I asked my teacher to intervene, but she said they’re not saying anything offensive unless they use racist or homophobic terms like “paki” or “faggot.” Is this right?Q3. My [female-to-male or FTM] dad gave birth to me before he had his gender reassignment surgery. My teacher insists on calling him my mother and I have overheard staff saying that I am part of a same-sex family. I am not. What can I do?Q4. There is graffiti all over the boys’ toilet. Most of it is stuff like “Akim f**ks arse” and “John is a faggot.” Shouldn’t the school be removing all of this?Q5. I have two moms. My non-biological mom has adopted me. My teacher knows they are both legally responsible for me, but he still keeps asking me which one is my “real” mom. Is this appropriate?Q6. When somebody in my class asked about my sexual orientation, I referred to myself as “queer” and I got punished by my teacher. Surely that’s wrong?What Can I do?
