Understanding what lies behind the words

This classroom activity shows youth how all kinds of insults based on appearance, race, religion, sexuel orientation, etc. are similar. More specifically, the activity is intended to make children aware of the hurtful effect of homophobic insults (such as faggot, homo, queer and, when used pejoratively, the word gay), the reasons people use them, and the best ways to respond to them. Supplementary activities will give students the opportunity to consider the places where intimidation occurs and how they can be transformed into more secure environments.