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Other people call me names like "dyke" and "les".... Let's face it, we all know kids at school who are jerks. In every school are kids who pick on other kids. Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any easier when they pick on you. Kids will use all kinds of language they hear from many different walks of life. Often, even if they don't know what they're saying, they still know it hurts. Being called "les" or "dyke" does not mean that you are lesbian. It does not mean that someone knows something about you that you don't. It simply means that the person who is calling you these names is trying to intimidate you. Maybe they feel insecure about themselves and are trying to look tough to impress others. Maybe they get picked on a lot and figure it's your turn. Maybe they can't fit you into a mold of what they think a girl or young woman should be like. Maybe they're even jealous of you. Regardless of their reasons, it just shows that she or he doesn't know that you have great worth and that you should always be treated fairly and with respect. Calling anyone a les, tomboy, queer, or some similar name in a derogatory way for any reason is not acceptable. This is something that people who feel good about themselves don't need to do. Being called names DOES hurt. Being disliked by some kids also hurts. You can't always stop this from happening, but you can choose not to believe what they say. You know who you really are -- a unique person with worth and potential and abilities. You may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust -- perhaps a teacher, or a parent, or a friend, about how your feelings are hurt when others call you names. |
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