Words like 'gay' have come to mean something 'stupid' or 'foolish' in the common vernacular of some youth. For Wood Hill Middle School student Jack Lu, that is unacceptable.
Jack, a 14-year-old eighth grader at the school, said he is offended by the casual use of homophobic slurs in daily, hallway conversation.
As a result, members of the group Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) visited Wood Hill Middle School Tuesday to address the use of language and how it affects others.
"Teachers won't stand for gay slurs and prejudice, but it still goes on so much that something does have to happen," said Jack.
The power of words, as well as the need to protect those who identify themselves as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, was the focus of a large assembly at the school Tuesday. Three speakers from PFLAG spoke to the school's seventh and eighth grade students. They shared their stories about coming out amid adversity and facing what was, for them, a burden sparked by intolerance and careless use of language.
"I liked guys," said Stephen Supernor, a 22-year-old Framingham State University student. "I felt like it made me so different, so wrong."
Supernor told the students that a friend, Mark, helped him become comfortable with himself amid mounting pressure.
"He was there through all of it. Mark was there to listen to me and tell me it was OK," said Supernor. "Having that friend to support me was so valuable, and it helped me rise up from a place of feeling like I was worthless, and feeling like I had no place on this earth because of the feelings I was having for other guys."
For Jack, the careless use of unknowingly hurtful words can make homosexual people "feel horrible," ultimately causing them to repress their true identity.
"Every day, in the hallways, you hear gay slurs like, 'Don't be gay,' in a negative way, and 'You're such a fag,'" said Jack. "I hope that students will be more aware of what they say and how they affect all of the students. Students at all schools need to be more accepting."
Pam Garramone, executive director of PFLAG in Greater Boston, said the assembly "plants the seed to stop it," while also protecting gay students who aren't comfortable.
"Words have power. These kids all say it. They use 'gay' as a negative," Garramone said. "Once you have the conversation with them, they get it and start to stop it."
Jack "saw a need, and he did something about it," according to Garramone. "It is amazing. A middle school boy has never come to us before and said, basically, he wanted to have this conversation."
According to Wood Hill Middle Principal Patrick Bucco, the fact that the event was inspired by a student likely means it was more affective on the students.
"We always talk about kids stepping up and being leaders, and when they see a problem, do something about it," said Bucco. "It's much more powerful when it comes from students than when it comes from teachers or parents."
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