r/gay•
Sea_Owl7070

high school teachers, how do you cope with clear homophobic comments and actions towards you, when they are vague enough to not be sanctioned?

I'm from Spain. I'm gay and I'm a teacher. I believe it's easy to tell I'm gay, maybe because of my voice, maybe my mannerisms.

Some homophobic students make comments that are completely aimed at me, but in a way that would be extremely hard to proof, generally mocking stereotypical gay ways of talking, or moving. I try not to react or pretend to not notice, but damn, that's painful. It's really hard to proof they were aimed at me, they will pretend to be joking with their friends, and since there is no clear insult it's something that becomes completely subjective once you start writing the sanction.

Honestly, those of you who have been bullied for being gay know exactly what I'm talking about.

Today one student passed near me and said out loud "Hiiii guuuuysssss". They know exactly where the line is and I can't do anything at all. Also, in some schools, things a bit worse happenned and I had zero help from the principal.

I know students will do this to all teachers for a large variety of reasons: being fat, being bald, having a high pitch voice, or any absurd thing, and is probably as hurtful as this is for me. But I wish to know if some of you have had similar experiences, and what did you do, specially in your thoughts, what do you tell yourself, to make it easier to cope with this subtle homophobia.

Generally when I'm in a good mood I can ignore it, but there are some days where this stuff breaks me and ruins my day.

Thank you guys.

Posted Sep 25, 2026, 5:19 PM UTC

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