It can be very hard for someone to cope with their experience of any type of discrimination (i.e. homophobia, racism, sexism, etc.). Some people feel like the experience makes them stronger, others feel like it hurts them or breaks them down. For many people it is impossible to erase the hurt that they feel from discrimination.

However, many people can learn to deal with their feelings by seeking support from friends, family, counselors, help lines, and/ or other people who have had similar experiences as them. We can help each other out by trying to put an end to our own discriminatory behaviors, and working to stop discrimination in our schools and communities.

Check out our Appreciating Diversity section for more information on ways you can get involved.

No, scientists are not yet sure exactly what causes someone to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or straight, but recent research shows that there are biological factors in place before birth that influence people’s sexual orientation.

Sexual orientation is about sexual attraction (who we are attracted to). It may change over the course of a lifetime. It can take years to understand our sexual orientation, and that is normal. Some people who are unsure of their sexual orientation call themselves “questioning.” Also some people consider themselves asexual (not attracted to anyone).

While sexual orientation is not something we can choose, many people do make choices about how to label themselves. They may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or straight. Other people prefer not to label themselves at all. All sexual orientations are perfectly normal, whether we choose to label ourselves or not.

Unfortunately sometimes our families can be hurt us deeply with their words and through their actions.  If you are looking for support and friendship, contact The Rainbow Resource Centre at 474-0212.
The Resource Centre offers a gay, lesbian and bi-sexual youth group that meets weekly.  If you do not want to meet in person you can phone the counselling/support line at 284-5208.  If you are interested in meeting other cool youth who are interested in stopping homophobia and other forms hate you can join the Multi School Diversity Action Group.  This group is a gay/straight alliance, which means that everyone is welcome.
Last but not least, Teen Talk offers a Peer Support Program throughout the year where youth can come together and learn about cool stuff like pregnancy prevention, safer sex, diversity issues and healthy relationships. Call us at 784-4010 to register for the training.

This question has a complicated answer. The word “faggot” has a long history of violence and sexism, and it is important to realize that history and that pain is still alive in the word as we use it today.

The word “faggot” comes from old French “fagot” which literally meant a bunch of sticks tied together. During the European inquisition in the 1300’s, people accused of heresy or witchcraft would be burned alive using faggots. Also, the people being burned were often forced to carry the “faggots” to the fires being built for them, which made the word take on a meaning of burden and something difficult to bear. This meaning was often applied to women as a sexist slur.

The use of the word “faggot” as a gay slur came from the U.S., though may be linked to British all-male boarding schools in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. During this time younger students took on many tasks for the older students ranging from collecting bundles of sticks for their fireplaces to having sex (often unwanted). To be someone’s “faggot” meant that you were submissive to them. Eventually, the U.S. definition of “faggot” started to be used as a slur against feminine or flamboyant men. Now, it is also used all over North America as an insult to anyone, based on the homophobic belief that being considered gay is the ultimate humiliation to straight men.

As for “gay”, it comes from the French “gai” which meant “happy” “bright and showy” or “carefree”. In the 16^th and 17^th centuries, it began to be used to describe people that “didn’t care” about the moral outcomes of their “indulgence in immoral activities”.  This applied especially to men who had many female sexual partners, but also to homosexual men.

In the 20^th century, people began reclaiming the word “gay” by removing the negative associations from the past and using it as a way to positively tell themselves apart from straight people. “Gay” seemed a more natural fit than the word “homosexual”, which many people felt was too clinical, and “queer” which was still mostly used as a negative term.

As always, before using a term to describe someone, you should ask them if it is ok. While some people have chosen to reclaim certain terms, like gay, queer, or dyke and make them positive, others may not feel comfortable with them based on their negative feelings about the way those words have historically been used to hurt them or others.