ThinkB4YouSpeak Launches Social Media Campaign

In some ways, Twitter is a lot like high school.  There are the nerds (@kevinrose), the jocks (@aplusk), the popular cheerleaders (@britneyspears), the theater geeks (@michaelurie).

And just like high school, there is the petty name-calling - often in the form of "gay," "fag" or other homophobic remarks that are used thoughtlessly by some but are hurtful to many.

In a week's time, NMS identified over 1,130 tweets in which something or someone was described as "so gay" and over 7,000 tweets in which someone was called a "fag" or "faggot."  Many of these anti-LGBT tweets were directed at specific individuals via @ messages.

So, how do we erase the problem of anti-LGBT language online?  One way is to direct people to ThinkB4YouSpeak.com, a campaign created by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) to raise awareness among teens about the consequences of homophobic remarks.

Though GLSEN intends to reduce anti-LGBT language in schools, the campaign's website has many features that could have a real impact within Twitter and other social media platforms:

1. Take the Pledge - Submit a word or phrase that could be used in place of homophobic remarks.  GLSEN posts the best submissions on the "Say Something Original" wall.
2. Send an E-card - Teens who've unintentionally hurt their friends through homophobic remarks can send an apologetic e-card in which they promise to "think before [they] speak" in the future.
3. Watch and Submit Videos - Influential celebrities like Hilary Duff are featured in clever PSAs that aim to make teens think twice before insulting something as "gay."  Young activists can even submit videos of their own.

I hope you'll join me and the NMS team as we help GLSEN to promote ThinkB4YouSpeak.com and let the online world know that it's not OK to say "That's so gay."  Besides, describing something as "ridonkulous" is so much more fun, no?