Homophobic & Transphobic Microagressions

Homophobic microaggressions are harmful and all too common in today's society. You've likely heard many throughout your life, whether it was your friends "just joking" or something you heard during passing period in the hallways. A common one known by many is "that's so gay" or someone negatively using the word gay in general. What most people don't realize though is that using these terms as though it's a bad thing is actually very harmful. When closeted kids grow up hearing their identities shouted as insults, it creates both a passively homophobic environment and brews internalized-homophiba inside them. All of this contributes to building up negative emotions surrounding their sexuality when they should feel free to love whoever they please. There are things you can do to prevent this problem, however. Whenever you hear a one of these phrases, call it out. Tell the person that what they're saying isn't okay. If you hear someone being misgendered/dead-named, speak up. Remind the speaker of the correct pronouns/name. The one thing you shouldn't do is stay silent. If you're uncomfortable speaking up against these actions, remember that it is not about you, it's about showing love to to those lacking it.

Here is a short list of common micro aggressions that are harmful to the LGBTQ+ community that you can call out and personally stop saying:

"That's so gay"

"HAH! Gay!"

"Man up and stop crying"

"So who's the guy and who's the girl in the relationship"

"OMG! Can you be my gay best friend? I've always wanted one"

"No you're probably just confused, I don't think you're actually bi"

"Sooo... What's in your pants? Like since you're trans have you had surgery yet?"

"You're trans, really? You pass so well"