People use the phrase “That’s so gay” to describe something that does not appeal to them. “Fag” is what a boy calls another boy who does something that isn’t considered to be masculine.

The fact that homosexual slurs have become a part of our everyday language is the topic of a lecture about homophobia and heterosexism Tuesday. Although people don’t consider themselves homophobic, they might be what people are calling heterosexist, said Warren Blumenfeld, instructor of the new queer studies course at Iowa State.

Heterosexism is the distortion of information about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, said Blumenfeld, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction.

“This topic is important to me because we still live in a society that teaches people to hate difference of any sort, including differences of sexual orientation,” he said.

Blumenfeld has a long history of studying this sort of behavior. He has been involved with workshops, such as his upcoming one, for more than 30 years.

“The same things are happening today,” he said. “In the 1960s, kids were being harassed – beat up – and the same horror stories are told today. There has been increased visibility and discussion, but still the homophobia remains.”

Blumenfeld said he hopes to show that these topics affect everyone, not just homosexuals.

Courtney Segota, senior in anthropology, said she agrees with Blumenfeld. She believes that heterosexism limits males and females from doing certain activities and makes them self-conscious.

“A boy is afraid to do stereotypical ‘female’ activities: dance, paint, cry or be intimate, and a girl is afraid to do stereotypical ‘male’ activities: math, science, sports or speaking up in class. If they do these activities, they are often worried about being perceived as gay,” Segota said.

She said she hopes the people who come to the event are ones who need to learn more about this topic and not just the ones who already know about it.

Not only does homophobia and heterosexism affect people’s personal lives, but these issues affect people academically, said Jessica Culhane, senior in statistics.

“Issues like these have discouraged people from taking the school’s new queer studies course and some people have left the class,” she said.

Blumenfeld said students were thanked for being brave enough to take the course because it would be on their transcripts forever and could be seen as something negative to some people.

Blumenfeld said she finds that a good way to raise awareness is through letting people get their feelings out.

“Real education and learning is possible through dialogue, and this workshop will open a dialogue. This workshop is really in line with the strategic plan of the university, which has been calling for more dialogue with issues of diversity,” he said.

Being able to support GLBT friends and family is also a reason why students such as Culhane feel that discussing the issue is important.

“I have friends who are queer and it’s very important for me to educate myself so I can support them,” she said.

Segota said she agreed, and said it is good to get these topics out in the open.

“Homosexuality isn’t as much of a hidden ‘in the closet’ thing anymore,” she said.

“It will keep changing things for the better if we have more opportunities for workshops like this.”