Imagine hearing this the next time you turn on your radio:

"We interrupt your usually scheduled programming for a public service announcement."

BEEP. 

And the ever-important message: "Never again say the phrase ‘no homo.'"

 Eric, 18                         

A Defense

Cam'ron created the phrase "no homo" to defend himself from all the rumors that were being spread about him because he had lost a lot of weight and wore pink (a so-called "obvious" connection to his sexuality). Why people had to hop on his back just about wearing a color that is stereotypically feminine, I really couldn't tell you.

And why people had to present the rapper as an "AIDS-ridden" gay man because of his weight loss over the course of two years boggles my mind as well. Like a brother just can't go out, do some push-ups, cut back on the Little Debbie's and cheese steaks? Like if it's rumored that he's gay then he must have HIV/AIDS? But when Cam'ron defended himself, he came out with the now popular phrase "no homo."

So maybe "no homo" is the new, trendy way of saying "I'm not gay." But I hear guys repeating the phrase for totally unrelated reasons, like brushing elbows with someone or complimenting another guy's sneakers. It's kind of like saying, "Hey, I really like your shoes…but don't take that the wrong way, I'm not gay."

Personally, it's starting to make me wonder.

Just ending a sentence with "no homo" screams insecurity to me. As if to say, "If I don't save myself by saying ‘no homo,' then someone will think I am gay." What's the point?

Ignorance & Disrespect

Not only does it strike an insecurity cord, but Cam'ron's "innocent" remark has set a horrible example for younger children. This kind of slang will turn a five-year-old into a homophobe before he or she knows anything about being straight or gay!

To me, it's amazing how one phrase and one man defending his choice of clothing and weight loss is causing straight guys everywhere to defend their sexuality, simply because comments they make may come across as "gay." Am I supposed to say "no homo" if I bump a guy's arm in the locker room? Or am I supposed to say "no homo" for accidentally touching another man's shirt when I sit down next to him?

All this slang does is create more ignorance in our society and teach people another way to disrespect gay people. Don't you think heterosexuals would get offended if, after someone complimented them, they said, "No hetero—just had to make sure you didn't think I was one of those people"?

"No homo" needs to stop. There's no need for homophobic phrases such as "no homo," and I'm pretty sure we can describe everyday actions and apologize for mistakes without bringing sexuality into the picture.

"This has been a public service announcement from Eric Johnson at Sex, Etc. Now back to your scheduled program. Thank you."