Bullying Part 2 - 10/10/12

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Welcome to week 2 of Bullying Awareness Month at The Sex and Tell Show!

When it comes to bullying, the major idea is that students feel safe. If they don't feel safe, they will not report bullying when it happens. They won't know who to trust, and they won't feel comfortable talking about it with just anyone, because maybe THEY will bully them too. Even the smallest things can help, like having a rainbow flag sticker on your door, or an HRC sticker on a water bottle. Having materials (brochures, etc.) in your office will let students know that they can talk to you. Kids pay attention, and they notice more than you think they do. 

Another important thing that I think all schools should do, is to provide some sort of informational assembly (or multiple assemblies), regarding the LGBT community. Have someone explain what queer means, or what being transgender means. Inform your students, and they will be less likely to bully, because they will UNDERSTAND. Same thing with adults, which is a reason why I have this show. When people are more educated on a topic, they are more sympathetic. They are less likely to say something offensive.

Music you heard:

1. "Eugenia" by Scott Joplin
2. Zeki Müren (forgot the song sorry!)

Useful links:

1. LGBT Youth Tip Sheet
2. 4 Steps Schools Can Take to Address Anti-LGBT Bullying and Harassment
3. Gay Bullying - National Youth Association
4. Transgender people and bullying

I hope this was helpful, and I hope it inspires you to stop bullying, in whatever form it takes. Tune in next week when we talk about fetishes!

Bullying Part 1 - 10/3/12

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In light of Bullying Awareness Month, I wanted to have an episode specifically on the kind of bullying that happens with queer kids in high schools, college, work, whatever. Turns out the episode didn't go quite as I planned, in the most glorious way. I'm really pleased with the way the topic went, and especially with my guests.

A major topic we talked about were the ways that people bully, and the kinds of people that bully. Here's the thing: everyone bullies and everyone is bullied. Bullying comes out of insecurity, or ignorance. The only way to stop is to be honest with ourselves about why we're feeling a certain way, and also to not let bullying slide. Ever. It's never OK, and it's not just something kids do. Adults do it too. Companies do it. Politicians do it.

The worst though is when someone is bullied for simply being who they are, which is why this topic is so important for a show like mine. This can pertain to anyone with a body. Whether it's making fun of someone for being overweight, calling someone a slut, or calling someone a fag. You can stop this. You don't have to tolerate it, and you shouldn't tolerate it. Every single person on the planet is so beautiful, and deserve as much respect as anyone else.

Also, as a side note, this episode was not only aired live, but was also filmed live by two wonderful ladies in a documentary film class at the university! Thanks for adding so much energy to the show!

Useful links:

1. CBS WKBT News Anchor's On-Air Response To A Viewer Calling Her Fat
2. FAQ: What is "slut-shaming"?
3. Bullying Prevention Tips (concise)
4. Gays Bullied To The Point Of Suicide

Music you heard:

1. Same Love feat. Mary Lambert by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

If you're interested in this topic more, we're having Part 2 of Bullying next week, so definitely listen in. We didn't cover even half of the things I wanted to talk about, and since it's Bully Awareness Month, I think it deserves another show. See you next week!