Very few teachers recognized the growing problem, and even those who did were not tackling it correctly. I think it's because many teachers don't see it as wrong. That disappoints me tremendously. Many can and will until someone speaks up about the issue. Sadly enough, most students are afraid to say anything at all in fear they will be targeted for discrimination, outed if they are gay, or other students will somehow find out they said something.
Homophobic language is no better than racist language.
It is just as hurtful and just as damaging. It confuses and upsets me greatly. And believe me I am not the only one who is upset by this. Recent statistics prove that. This is also the number one form of harassment in schools.