No Homo

So, let's be honest for a moment. I've heard it. You've heard it. We're all probably guilty of saying it at least once. Yes ladies and gents, I'm speaking of the proliferation of the ever-ubiquitous sexual disclaimer, "no homo." Always good for a laugh or two...or three. Right? But have you ever asked yourself whose expense these cheap laughs come at?

And for what? All so you can dispel any suppositions (be they real or imaginary) about your heterosexuality? Surely that's a completely legitimate reason to degrade an entire group of people? This "no homo" phenomenon has really permeated nearly all levels of youth culture. Is this what we've come to represent? Is it really necessary for us to demean and trivialize an already heavily marginalized group for the sole purpose of disassociating ourselves from them? To uplift ourselves in the eyes of our peers? Or worse yet, for a laugh? It's shameful. It's hurtful. And it achieves nothing.

Young men are not the only guilty party here. Young women utter the phrase with as little thought or regard as our male counterparts, if not even less so. Are you so insecure in your sexuality that you feel the need to assert your heterosexuality to any and everyone, unsolicited? Please do everyone a favor and stop it. I'm sure many people do not attach any wrongdoing to the act of carelessly spewing out this phrase. But I think the time has come for us to hold ourselves and our peers accountable for the things that we and they say. Think about the true meaning of the words you allow to spill from you lips. Aim to do no harm; to others or to your own reputation. Like the old adage warns, "...be careful of your words, for they become your actions." The "no homo" thing is senseless. It alienates people unnecessarily. Take heed and think before you speak.