Dealing with slurs
Occasionally people around me use LGBTQ associated words like slurs. Not necessarily in a hateful way, and I know they aren't generally homophobic or anything. But it still kinda makes me uncomfortable, especially since im not out to most people. I find it hard and scary to bring it up, cause other people seem to find it funny or something and I don't wanna seem butthurt.
What would be a good way to adress it without the person in question getting defensive. Or should I just leave it and tolerate it, cause I can, i just also kinda feel the need to defend the LGBTQ community as a whole, if that makes sense
@Madaraismyspiritanimal
Generally, Ive found the best way to deal with slurs is to remind the people using them that by using those slurs, they are alienating or showing hate towards a certain group of people. Usually, if its unintentional, theyll apologize.
You could say something like hey, can you please not use [word] so much? It can be offensive to the (blank) community.
If people find it funny, well, theyre the kind of people you dont want to be around, the nasty, hateful type that wants to remake the world in their image, and youre better off ignoring them. I know it can be hard, especially the slur is against something you are, but if they think its funny, its not worth the argument.
Some people just use that sort of words without thinking of the implications. They hear them and repeat them, because they never reflected on the implications, but they might stop if they're given a chance to reflect on it. You can politely ask them not to use them and point out that though they mean well and do not perceive or mean them as an offense, they're still offensive for someone. Sometimes it's just a matter of helping people see things through a different perspective.
Don't worry about your identity being discovered, speaking up for respect for the LGBT community is something everyone can do independently of their identity, there are also many cis straight people who do that! So it isn't a hint to your identity, just a sign of you respecting and caring for people.
